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As biopharmaceuticals become more advanced, the diversity and complexity of R&D samples and their storage requirements have significantly increased. Traditional sample storage models often struggle to meet these demands, prompting a move towards more adaptable and resilient approaches.
Technology Networks recently spoke with Lori A. Ball, CEO of Astoriom, to explore how these changing needs are shaping the future of biorepository practices and stability storage solutions. In this interview, Ball discusses how Astoriom's Integrated Stability & Sustainability Outsourcing Model addresses traditional storage challenges and enables biopharma companies to respond more nimbly to disruptions. Ball also outlines the key priorities R&D leaders should consider to ensure sample integrity, compliance and operational efficiency.
Anna MacDonald (AM):
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
As the range and complexity of R&D samples continue to grow across the drug development pipeline, how is this shaping the evolution of biorepository practices and stability storage solutions?
Chief Executive Officer
Astoriom
Lori A. Ball is the chief executive officer of Astoriom, a leading provider of sample stability and biospecimen storage solutions. With over 30 years of experience in life sciences R&D, Lori has a proven track record in commercial strategy, growth and executive leadership, and a comprehensive approach to the industry challenges.
As R&D pipelines become more diverse – ranging from cell and gene therapies to biologics and novel delivery formats – the demands on sample storage aren’t one-dimensional. We're seeing a shift towards more customizable, modular and risk-mitigated storage solutions that accommodate a broader spectrum of temperature conditions, regulatory requirements and sample sensitivities.
At Astoriom, our biorepository and stability storage infrastructure meets these complexities with scalable platforms, the broadest temperature range in the industry and regulatory compliance – ensuring that every sample, regardless of its nature, is preserved with the highest standard of care and compliance.
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
What are some of the most significant challenges in traditional sample storage that the Integrated Stability & Sustainability Outsourcing Model is designed to solve?
LAB:
Chief Executive Officer
Astoriom
Lori A. Ball is the chief executive officer of Astoriom, a leading provider of sample stability and biospecimen storage solutions. With over 30 years of experience in life sciences R&D, Lori has a proven track record in commercial strategy, growth and executive leadership, and a comprehensive approach to the industry challenges.
Traditional sample storage models often lack flexibility and audit-readiness. Challenges such as inconsistent compliance, fragmented data reporting and risk of sample loss during facility failure, are still prevalent. Our Integrated Stability & Sustainability Outsourcing Model addresses these by offering centralized, validated storage solutions with built-in disaster recovery and real-time monitoring.
Clients benefit from both continuity and confidence – knowing their samples are safeguarded in line with ISO, ICH, cGMP, and CAP standards, as well as FDA, EMA and HPRA regulatory compliance without the overhead of managing in-house storage complexity.
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
Can you elaborate on how the model supports greater agility for biopharma companies in responding to unplanned disruptions, while maintaining long-term sample stability and data integrity?
LAB:
Chief Executive Officer
Astoriom
Lori A. Ball is the chief executive officer of Astoriom, a leading provider of sample stability and biospecimen storage solutions. With over 30 years of experience in life sciences R&D, Lori has a proven track record in commercial strategy, growth and executive leadership, and a comprehensive approach to the industry challenges.
Agility in today’s climate is about resilience and responsiveness. Our model is built to offer both. In the event of unplanned disruptions – whether operational, regulatory or environmental – clients can leverage our distributed, disaster-ready facilities across Europe and the US. Our systems ensure uninterrupted power, continuous environmental control and fully validated backup protocols.
Additionally, our audit-ready inventory intelligence systems provide instant visibility and traceability of samples. This infrastructure empowers biopharma partners to pivot quickly, meet urgent regulatory requests and protect long-term data integrity without disruption to their scientific timelines.
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
When planning for the storage of samples, what priorities should R&D leaders focus on to ensure reliability and efficiency?
LAB:
Chief Executive Officer
Astoriom
Lori A. Ball is the chief executive officer of Astoriom, a leading provider of sample stability and biospecimen storage solutions. With over 30 years of experience in life sciences R&D, Lori has a proven track record in commercial strategy, growth and executive leadership, and a comprehensive approach to the industry challenges.
R&D leaders should prioritize four core pillars: compliance, continuity, customization and control. Compliance ensures alignment with evolving regulations like ICH Q1A/Q1B, CAP and ISO standards. Continuity is about risk mitigation – having validated disaster protection and recovery systems onsite, as well as back-up contracts with disaster recovery service providers in place.
Customization speaks to the need for storage that adapts to specific study types, sample formats and temperature profiles. And finally, control encompasses data visibility and decision-making – R&D teams need systems that deliver accurate, on-demand reporting without compromising security. At Astoriom, we design our services with these exact needs in mind.
Senior Science Editor
Technology Networks
Anna is a senior science editor at Technology Networks. She holds a first-class honors degree in biological sciences from the University of East Anglia. Before joining Technology Networks she helped organize scientific conferences.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of R&D sample storage evolving – particularly with the influence of digital tools, regulatory shifts and sustainability goals?
LAB:
Chief Executive Officer
Astoriom
Lori A. Ball is the chief executive officer of Astoriom, a leading provider of sample stability and biospecimen storage solutions. With over 30 years of experience in life sciences R&D, Lori has a proven track record in commercial strategy, growth and executive leadership, and a comprehensive approach to the industry challenges.
The future of sample storage is inherently digital, decentralized and decarbonised. Digital tools – like predictive analytics, AI-driven monitoring and automated inventory systems – will become standard for ensuring proactive management and compliance readiness.
As regulators demand tighter control over sample traceability and climate accountability, we’ll see a stronger emphasis on paperless audit trails and energy-efficient storage environments. Sustainability goals will further drive investment in green storage solutions. At Astoriom, we’re already integrating these capabilities, enabling clients to meet scientific goals while contributing to a more sustainable R&D ecosystem.
