Agilent Survey of Pharma Lab Leaders Uncovers Challenges in Workflow and Laboratory Efficiencies

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Agilent
Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced today the results of its first
Pharma Lab Leaders Survey looking to gather insights from
pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and contract research laboratories in
seven countries around the world.

Respondents included 650 laboratory managers, directors, and supervisors
from China, Germany, India, South Korea, Switzerland, Austria, and the
United States. The laboratories surveyed are involved in a range of
activities from disease research to manufacturing; The market research
firm Frost & Sullivan conducted the survey on Agilent’s behalf.

“We were extremely pleased that Agilent wanted to work with us again to
explore the challenges and opportunities within this unique group of
laboratories,” said Paljit Sohal, principal consultant, of Frost &
Sullivan. “It is important for companies like Agilent to take the time
to understand their customers’ challenges as these insights can be
vital, informing strategies moving forwards.”

Respondents highlighted their unique industry challenges, laboratory
pain points, as well as goals for the future. Overall, the primary focus
was on achieving quicker results (55%), superior quality (44%), and data
integrity (43%). Over half of the respondents indicated that quality
standards are getting more stringent in their laboratories, with over
80% finding that their current workflow requires further optimization.

The top strategies being deployed by lab leaders to more efficiently
move drugs through the pipeline are:

• Buying more sophisticated instruments that deliver a greater degree of
  specificity (85%)
• Improving documentation of the sample chain of custody (70%)
• Employing better-qualified staff (56%).

“Agilent is dedicated to continually listening to customers to ensure
their success,” said Lon Justice, vice president of sales, marketing,
and customer experience at Agilent. “With this survey, we enhance our
learnings about key pharmaceutical laboratory challenges, goals, and
pain points, which have never before been quantifiable. With these
insights, our teams will be able to continue to bring customer-focused
solutions to market, to improve the science and economics of the labs we
serve.”

The top-line results are being launched at this week’s 67th ASMS
Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Interestingly, 32% of respondents stated that having easier to use
instruments would improve their workflow,” Justice added. “The new
InfinityLab iQ System, which is being launched at this week’s ASMS
conference, and the recently launched 8860 and 8890 GC systems are both
clear demonstrations of how Agilent is responding to these needs.”

An associated infographic is available on the Agilent
Newsroom. Country-level results will be released over the coming
months.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in life sciences,
diagnostics and applied chemical markets. With more than 50 years of
insight and innovation, Agilent instruments, software, services,
solutions, and people provide trusted answers to customers’ most
challenging questions. The company generated revenues of $4.91 billion
in fiscal 2018 and employs 15,550 people worldwide. Information about
Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.
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Contacts

Victoria Wadsworth-Hansen
Agilent Technologies
+1 408
553 2005
+45 2933 6980
[email protected]