Modern biologics require a detailed understanding of molecular structure, heterogeneity, and product quality throughout development and manufacturing. At this MVA Boost Seminar, experts from research and industry will share advanced mass spectrometry strategies for the comprehensive characterization of biotherapeutics.
Explore practical approaches for peptide mapping, protein sequence verification, higher-order structural analysis, host cell protein assessment, and the quality control of complex biological products. Learn more about innovative approaches that accelerate development, strengthen process understanding, and support the quality, safety, and efficacy of next-generation biologics.
Join us in Copenhagen to connect with fellow scientists and gain new perspectives on your analytical challenges.
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Mass spectrometry is increasingly moving beyond molecular identification toward deeper characterization of sequences, modification sites, molecular structures, and higher-order organization. The timsOmni platform expands the analytical toolbox of the timsTOF architecture by combining trapped ion mobility, advanced ion manipulation, and MSⁿ with complementary collision- and electron-based fragmentation strategies.
Peptide mapping is a key technique for protein characterization, requiring high sensitivity, confidence, and throughput. The combination of Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TIMS) and DDA-PASEF® on the Bruker timsTOF platform enables comprehensive peptide mapping with reduced analysis times and minimal sample consumption.
The additional dimension of ion mobility separation increases peptide and protein coverage while maintaining robust, high-throughput performance. TIMS-enabled workflows deliver deeper molecular insights and greater efficiency in the characterization of complex protein samples.
Monoclonal antibodies are an established and rapidly expanding class of therapeutics used to treat a broad range of diseases. Their structural complexity and molecular heterogeneity create a strong demand for comprehensive characterization. Mass spectrometry is a versatile analytical platform capable of probing multiple levels of antibody structure, from primary sequence and post-translational modifications to higher-order structure, assembly, and molecular interactions. This presentation will demonstrate how these complementary dimensions of antibody characterization can be addressed using timsTOF technology in combination with appropriate experimental workflows and data analysis tools.
Host cell protein analysis and characterization by mass spectrometry (HCP-MS) is used at Novo Nordisk A/S as an orthogonal approach to HCP ELISA during the clinical development of recombinant and semi-recombinant drugs. HCP-MS supports API process development, the justification of HCP ELISA methods, and the risk assessment of clinical exposure. This presentation will discuss key use cases, the strategic role of HCP-MS, and opportunities to further improve its performance.
The reliability of binding studies is critically dependent on the structural integrity and purity of the antigens employed. Product-related variants, including sequence modifications, degradation products, and altered glycosylation patterns, as well as process-related impurities such as residual host cell proteins (HCPs), may significantly impact antigen conformation and consequently influence binding affinity, specificity, and assay performance.
The characterization of modern biotherapeutics requires analytical technologies that combine speed, structural insight, and ease of use across diverse molecular classes. This presentation will explore how the latest advances in MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry enable rapid and comprehensive characterization of biologics, from peptide mapping and intact protein analysis to top-down sequencing, glycan profiling, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) characterization, and oligonucleotide analysis.
Petr Novák is a leading researcher in structural mass spectrometry with more than 25 years of experience in protein analysis. His research focuses on developing analytical methods and software tools for structural biology, with applications in biologically and pharmaceutically relevant systems.
Brian Kåre Kristensen has more than 20 years of experience supporting the development of biopharmaceutical products from early development through commercialization. His expertise centers on structural characterization of proteins, peptides, and process-related impurities using advanced analytical techniques.
Marcus Mreyen is a biopharmaceutical analytics expert with more than 25 years of experience in protein and peptide characterization. Throughout his career, he has supported biopharmaceutical companies with analytical strategies for biologic drug development, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
Dimitrios Papanastasiou is a recognized expert in mass spectrometry instrumentation and ion mobility technologies. He is the inventor of the Omnitrap platform and has played a key role in the development of the timsOmni platform at Bruker. His work focuses on advancing next-generation mass spectrometry solutions for proteomics and biological characterization.
Christian Albers brings nearly two decades of experience in mass spectrometry and biopharmaceutical analytics. His work focuses on the characterization of biologics and helping researchers apply innovative mass spectrometry technologies to complex analytical challenges.
Oskar Knittelfelder is a biochemist and mass spectrometry specialist with extensive experience in analytical method development and biomolecular analysis. At Bruker Daltonics, he supports customers through scientific consulting, training, and the implementation of advanced mass spectrometry workflows.
