Institut Curie strengthens pioneering research with innovative biobanking technology

TTP Labtech’s arktic system chosen for technical excellence and provision of long term sample security

Royston, UK, 18 November 2013. The new phase of expansion for Institut Curie’s Paris-based biobank required a solution for advanced patient sample monitoring, as well as efficient sample storage and preparation across numerous tissue formats, including tumor, RNA, DNA, protein and blood. As part of this upgrade Institut Curie announced today an investment in arktic^®, a flexible, modular -80°C sample storage system from a leading technology provider, TTP Labtech.

This platform has been selected by the Institut Curie as part of its longer term strategy encompassing biobank expansion, in particular in the framework of the Equipex initiative conducted by French government of which Institut Curie has been a major laureate. TTP Labtech’s arktic promises to provide a valuable resource for the outstanding oncology research, patient diagnostics and pioneering treatment regimes that the Institut Curie is renowned for. The installation of which is a necessary step to ensure the security of the institute’s invaluable and growing sample repository, and will ensure that issues around sample integrity and availability will not be factors limiting the quality, impact and insight of future research.

Dr. Xavier Sastre-Garau, Director of Pathology at the Institut Curie commented: “We have been impressed with the level of scientific innovation and engineering know-how provided by the TTP Labtech team. We required a future-proofed system that had the flexibility to grow as our biobank expanded, could store a range of different sample types and volumes and could facilitate better sample management and tracking. TTP Labtech’s arktic has provided a solution to these requirements. The small footprint of the arktic also greatly aids our facility design and set-up and allows us to make the best use of our space.”

James Craven, Commercial Head of Sample Management at TTP Labtech commented, “We are honored to have been chosen by Institut Curie at this very critical phase of expansion.  The Institut curie provides invaluable research in the fight against Cancer”. TTP Labtech’s arktic storage modules have no moving parts within the cold zone. Instead, internal sample transport relies on its proprietary pneumatic technology, greatly improving the efficiency and mechanical reliability of the system.”