Waters Launches Xevo CDMS for the Analysis of Large Biomolecules in Gene and Cell Therapy Development

Waters Corporation (Milford, Massachusetts) announced the Waters Xevo Charge Detection Mass Spectrometer for the measurement and characterization of mega-mass biomolecules central to next-generation therapeutics and structural biology (1).

With the rapid growth in the areas of cell and gene therapies, mRNA, and complex protein therapeutics, laboratory personnel face significant challenges analyzing increasingly large and heterogeneous drug modalities. Existing tools are limited in resolution, sensitivity, and compliance-readiness.

The Xevo CDMS addresses these gaps with individual-particle mass measurement for molecules up to 150+ minimum detectable amount (MDa). This enables the of analysis ofprotein complexes, nucleic acids, lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, and more (1). Among the many features of the Xevo CDMS is the Electrostatic Linear Ion Trap (ELIT), which allows for direct measurement of individual ions through simultaneous measurement of their mass-to-charge ratio and mass. This novel technology was developed by Indiana University and Megadalton Solutions, founded by Martin Jarrold and David Clemmer, distinguished professors at Indiana University. Waters had acquired the technology assets and intellectual property rights of Indiana University in 2022 to accelerate its path to commercialization.

“Waters continues to make strategic investments in large molecules, recognizing that advanced tools for bioanalytical characterization play a critical role in driving therapeutic breakthroughs,” said Udit Batra, president and CEO of Waters Corporation, in a press release. “We believe the Xevo CDMS will accelerate the global development of genetic medicines and other advanced modalities by providing a greater understanding of the characteristics of large molecules earlier in development, which is crucial for making life-changing therapies more accessible to patients.” (1)

Waters is continuing to expand its portfolio of analytical technologies for biopharmaceutical research, following its recent introduction of the Xevo TQ Absolute XR Mass Spectrometer at the 2025 ASMS conference. That instrument focused on improving sensitivity and quantitation for small molecules and peptides. Now, with the launch of the Xevo Charge Detection Mass Spectrometer (CDMS) (2), Waters is turning its attention to the growing challenge of analyzing large, complex biomolecules central to gene and cell therapy development. The CDMS uses direct charge detection to measure individual ions, allowing researchers to determine the mass of large and heterogeneous particles—such as viral vectors and protein complexes—more accurately and with less sample material than traditional approaches.

The technology is already in use at multiple organizations, including Lexeo Therapeutics in New York, NY.

“Our mission is to accelerate the development of gene therapies for genetically mediated cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s, where there is a significant unmet need in treatment options,” said Timothy Fenn, vice president, Analytical Development and Quality Control of Lexeo Therapeutics. “With CDMS, we’re asking questions we didn’t know we could ask. It’s a game-changer for our analytical workflows, enabling us to generate accurate, reproducible results in minutes.” (1)

Submit Your Chromatography Innovation to LCGC International

Are you developing the next breakthrough in chromatography? Whether you're launching high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems, advancing gas chromatography (GC) technologies, or building powerful chromatography data systems (CDS) and software—share it with LCGC International for potential inclusion in a future issue!

LCGC International is inviting scientists, engineers, and product developers to submit their latest chromatography products for inclusion in our upcoming 2025–2026 New Product Review article. This is an opportunity to showcase your product's unique capabilities and gain global exposure among chromatography professionals and decision-makers.

We're Looking For:

• HPLC, UHPLC, and GC systems and components
• Sample preparation and automation tools
• Chromatography columns and consumables
• Software for data acquisition, processing, and compliance
• Emerging technologies and hybrid systems pushing the boundaries of separation science

Submit your new product or technology here!

References:

1. Waters Launches Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry Technology to Accelerate the Development of Next-Generation Biotherapeutics. PR Newswire website.https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/waters-launches-charge-detection-mass-spectrometry-technology-to-accelerate-the-development-of-next-generation-biotherapeutics-302581989.html (accessed 2025-10-13)
2. Xevo CDMS. Waters website.https://www.waters.com/nextgen/us/en/products/mass-spectrometry/mass-spectrometry-systems/charge-detection-mass-spectrometry.html (accessed 2025-10-13)