Waters Corporation unveiled a new suite of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) grade reagents, enzymes, and software designed to simplify the analysis of large molecule RNA therapeutics. The comprehensive solution aims to accelerate the development of groundbreaking mRNA vaccines, CRISPR therapies, and personalized cancer treatments by improving the characterization of complex RNA molecules.

This new set of bioseparation tools includes novel digestion enzymes for complete RNA sequence coverage, LC-MS-grade reagents that enhance sensitivity and detection accuracy, and the innovative waters_connect™ MAP Sequence software, which streamlines RNA oligonucleotide mapping through semi-automated workflows. Together, these advancements enable faster, more accurate analysis, reducing the time needed for data processing and empowering scientists to monitor key product attributes more efficiently.

Key Features of Waters' RNA Analytical Tools

• Enzymes: RapiZyme™ MC1 and RapiZyme Cusativin enzymes provide complete LC-MS sequence coverage with a simplified three-step protocol, enabling more confident characterization of RNA molecules compared to traditional digestion methods.
• Reagents: IonHance™ HFIP, an LC-MS-grade reagent, improves ionization and enhances detection accuracy, offering increased spectral clarity of RNA components.
• Software: The MAP Sequence application on the waters_connect platform reduces manual data processing time, enabling quick, reproducible results through streamlined RNA LC-MS oligo mapping workflows.

"As RNA-based therapies continue to grow in importance, the need for precise composition measurements is critical to ensure safety and efficacy for patients," said Erin Chambers, Vice President, Consumables and Lab Automation, Waters Corporation. "Our enzymes, reagents, and software work together to simplify the confirmation of RNA sequences and modifications, ultimately accelerating therapeutic development and broadening the accessibility of these tools for LC-MS non-experts."

Arnaud Delobel, PhD, R&D and Innovation Director at Quality Assistance S.A. and beta tester of Waters’ RNA tools, remarked, "Waters’ new enzymes efficiently digest mRNA and sgRNA, and the MAP Sequence software delivers rapid, reliable results, streamlining our analysis workflows."

Advancing RNA Therapeutics
RNA-based therapies, such as mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, personalized cancer treatments, and emerging CRISPR therapies for genetic conditions, represent a new frontier in medicine. Waters’ integrated analytical tools help researchers confirm the identity, purity, and efficacy of these therapies, from discovery through development and into process analytical testing. Supported by the compliance-ready waters_connect software platform, these solutions help accelerate therapeutic innovations and drive advancements in nucleic acid-based treatments.