- Crystal Pharmatech has completed installation of the ELDICO ED-1 electron diffractometer at its R&D center in Suzhou, China. The instrument is the first of its kind installed in the Asia-Pacific region and is now operational, with MicroED services available to clients worldwide.
- The platform enables crystal structure analysis using sub-micron powders, with standard results delivered within one to two weeks and expedited analysis available in as little as 48 hours.
Crystal Pharmatech has installed the ELDICO ED-1 electron diffractometer at its R&D center in Suzhou, China, making it the first installation of the instrument in the Asia-Pacific region. The instrument is now operational, and the company has opened its MicroED services to clients worldwide, expanding its solid-state research capabilities for small-molecule drug development.
The ED-1 adds a dedicated, automated electron diffraction platform to Crystal Pharmatech’s existing MicroED services, which the company launched in 2021 using a cryo-electron microscope. The instrument is designed to collect electron diffraction data from small-molecule crystals and includes a five-axis goniometer and a DECTRIS QUADRO hybrid pixel detector. Its automated calibration and data processing capabilities support the analysis of more crystals and forms in less time. The company said the instrument began collecting its first diffraction data within three days of installation.
The service allows clients to obtain crystal structures and absolute configurations from sub-micron powders using as little as 1 mg of material. Applications include identifying hydrates, solvates, salts and cocrystals, analyzing individual phases in mixtures, and characterizing polymorph landscapes to support form selection, patent and regulatory filings, and crystal structure prediction. Standard results are delivered within one to two weeks, while expedited analysis and reporting are available within 48 hours of receiving samples and written approval. Projects are covered by the company’s No Structure, No Fee commitment under agreed terms.
“The new instrument would support routine crystal structure determination during solid-form research and allow clients to analyze forms identified through screening using small quantities of material.”
Dr. Alex Chen, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Crystal Pharmatech
Dr. James Berwick, CEO of ELDICO Scientific AG, said the platform’s automated operation would make it easier to incorporate crystal structure determination into routine pharmaceutical screening.
Crystal Pharmatech also plans to demonstrate the technology at its Boston Symposium and Executive Networking Reception on November 19, 2026, at the Boston Marriott Cambridge. The program will include a presentation and posters focused on electron diffraction and MicroED applications in pharmaceutical solid-state characterization.
