Sapio Sciences

Corporate history

Sapio Sciences was founded in 2004 to develop software tools to address the growing genotyping need for tools to assist in analyzing genetics data, particularly in relation to Genome Wide Association Studies. Sapio's first product was Exemplar Analytics, which ultimately incorporated over 50 different algorithms and was utilized in numerous published papers in prestigious journals. Sapio's was subsequently approached by several customers to develop a LIMS solution that would provide a greater level of flexibility and configurability than traditional LIMS solutions on the market. This led to the development of Exemplar LIMS and its introduction in June 2007.

Product details

Since its original introduction in 2007, Exemplar has evolved into more than a LIMS solution. Sapio introduced its Workflow Engine in 2008, which enabled Exemplar customers to easily implement step by step, detailed processes in Exemplar that could track any workflow. This meant that Exemplar was able to address the Electronic Laboratory Notebook market and eliminate paper based recording of lab process information.

Exemplar subsequently added a fully configurable data model which meant that Exemplar could now track virtually any data assuming reasonable constraints on volume. This has led to Exemplar being used for Scientific Data Management (SDMS) where it is used to manage large volumes of targeted assay data. Statistics have also be implemented to perform detailed analysis of scientific data within the same environment.

In Q4 2015 Sapio introduced a new Electronic Lab Notebook solution. The current Exemplar Electronic Lab Notebook solution was created for rote, repeatable and well defined lab processes. This is often referred to as a Lab Execution System. This new offering is differentiated from the current Exemplar ELN in that it is created for scientists doing ad hoc experimentation as opposed to well defined process tracking. Scientists can now easily track all the details of their experiments with drag and drop definition of all related experimental elements. There is almost not training required to use the new Exemplar ELN solution as it is fully extensible with simple drag and drop operations. Experimental templates can also be preserved and re-used to improve scientists productivity.

Role in Electronic Lab Notebooks

Sapio's new ELN enables scientists to track their ad hoc experimental processes with no training. Using straightforward yet powerful drag and drop operations, scientists can build out their notebook tracking both structured and unstructured data. Notebooks can be shared with others and multiple users can work on the same workbook at the same time and even get real time updates of what other users are doing within the notebook. Instrument data can easily be imported as can spreadsheet data, images, etc. Notebooks can be e-signed when ready to ensure proper record keeping for patent protection. All notebook data is easily searched in both a structured and free text manner.

Exemplar's existing ELN solution (a.k.a. the Workflow Engine) is still retained as it is applicable to lab environments for tracking well defined and repeatable lab processes such as in clinical lab settings.

Role in Biomarker discovery

Sapio has made increasing inroads into Biomarker discovery at large Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical firms with the introduction of its Exemplar Biomarker Discovery solution. This offering enables a single solution for managing clinical study data, treatment groups data, subject data, sample data and assay data from diverse assays such as Immunohistochemistry, Western Blot, PCR, etc. This collective data warehouse can then be interrogated using Exemplar's built-in data mining tools to get answers to complex questions regarding the Pharmacodynamics effects of a drug. Exemplar then integrates statistical analysis tools for doing common data processing such as data normalization, but also for doing exploratory analysis such as logistic regression, ANOVA and genetic algorithms for model building. The results of these analysis can lead to proper patient profiling for personalized medicine, and can mean the difference between success or failure for new or existing drugs.

Role at Molecular Diagnostics companies

Building on its success at leading Molecular Diagnostic companies, Sapio introduced the Exemplar Dx LIMS product. Exemplar Dx is a foundational technology for MDx companies that implements a completely electronic process from test request to results. Physicians can be presented a web interface for test ordering, or test requests can be imported using the HL7 format. Kit Providers and kit fulfillment can also be handled by Exemplar when needed. Once the sample is at the lab, Exemplar fulfills its normal role for sample management and protocol tracking with an emphasis on instrument integration with leading Dx platforms like Qiagen and Beckman Coulter. Importantly, the assay data is then managed in Exemplar and the Dx companies custom algorithms can be implemented to analyze the data and produce the diagnostic report automatically. This report, once electronically signed off, is then delivered via the web, secure fax, HL7 or secure email to the requesting physician.

Product architecture

Exemplar is an n-tier product that offers fully web based clients that run with no software installation on the client machine. Multiple databases are supported for data storage including MySQL and Oracle.

Target markets

The general framework and adaptable nature of Exemplar has made it applicable to a broad spectrum of accounts ranging from large pharmaceuticals to university R&D departments. Exemplar is also being used in highly regulated environments such as part 11, GLP and CLIA laboratories. The Exemplar family of products are focused on supporting non-profit research labs, commercial entities engaging in the discovery of biomarkers, and commercial companies applying ready-for-market molecular based diagnostics.