Waters Corporation launched OligoWorks SPE (solid phase extraction) kits and components to improve sample preparation for LC-MS-based bioanalytical quantitation of therapeutic oligonucleotides. Pharma and biopharma companies developing oligonucleotide therapeutics and the contract research organizations (CROs) that support them can now realize up to a 2x increase over competing products in oligonucleotide recovery from biofluids, according to the company. The Kits are designed to deliver greater reproducibility and LC-MS sensitivity, enabling lower limits of quantitation and reducing the need for repeat experiments.

According to Waters Corp., the pipeline for oligonucleotide therapeutics is rapidly expanding with thirteen FDA approved oligonucleotide therapeutics today, and 500+ in the pipeline. While potent, these highly modified oligonucleotides are challenging to precisely quantify during dosing, metabolism, and tissue distribution studies.

OligoWorks SPE Kits use an enzyme-enhanced, and detergent-free sample pretreatment that reduces washing steps and improves mass spectrometer compatibility, thus enabling direct injection LC-MS analysis and lower limits of quantitation. They can also be fully automated for improved productivity.

“As a leader in supporting drug development, Waters is committed to solving customer pain points, and enabling greater analytical performance and productivity,” said Erin Chambers, vice president, consumables and lab automation, Waters Corporation. “Our new OligoWorks SPE Kits directly address oligonucleotide bioanalysis sample prep challenges across diverse oligo therapeutics. The science and societal effects of these therapies are exploding given their ability to address human health issues. Our workflow and kits will drive an acceleration of oligo bioanalysis projects and drug development timelines; ultimately improving the experience for drug candidates.”