Waters Corporation has introduced the Cyclic IMS P20 Mass Spectrometer, a next generation structural and spatial omics platform designed to provide researchers with deeper molecular insights and enhanced visualization capabilities for studying complex biological systems. The launch was announced during the 74th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics.

The Cyclic IMS P20 integrates multipass Cyclic Ion Mobility Spectrometry with an expanded suite of fragmentation, probing and imaging technologies, enabling scientists to identify subtle molecular differences associated with disease progression, protein misfolding and post translational modifications. The platform also delivers full spectrum molecular imaging within a single experiment, supporting faster discovery and development workflows.

According to Waters, the new system delivers more than ten times higher MS/MS sensitivity compared with its predecessor and extends the upper mass range beyond 100 kDa. The instrument incorporates complementary structural analysis approaches including tandem ion mobility spectrometry, electron capture dissociation, surface induced dissociation and collision induced unfolding, providing a comprehensive view of molecular structure and spatial distribution.

“Advanced tools for structural and spatial omics are increasingly important for delivering future therapeutic breakthroughs,” said James Hallam, Vice President and General Manager, Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, Waters Analytical Sciences, Waters Corporation. “The Cyclic IMS P20 enables scientists to gain a previously unattainable view of subtle molecular differences, helping to reveal mechanisms that drive disease and support next generation discovery.”

The platform combines Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization and Desorption Electrospray Ionization imaging sources within a single system. This approach expands molecular coverage across small molecules, lipids, peptides and proteins while enabling separation of isobaric and stereoisomeric compounds. Researchers can generate multidimensional molecular maps directly from tissue samples, supporting biomarker identification, lipidomics studies, drug localization and translational research applications.

Researchers evaluating the technology have highlighted its potential to accelerate investigations into complex diseases. Professor Kostas Thalassinos from University College London noted that the enhanced sensitivity allows detailed analysis of low abundance molecular species involved in protein misfolding diseases, significantly improving research efficiency and analytical depth.

Waters expects the Cyclic IMS P20 Mass Spectrometer to become commercially available worldwide beginning in September 2026. The company believes the platform will support growing demand for advanced structural biology, spatial omics and biomarker discovery workflows across academic, clinical and biopharmaceutical research environments.