• Waters new LC-MS grade reagents, enzymes, and software simplify large molecule RNA analysis to accelerate and improve development of mRNA vaccines, personalized cancer therapies, and innovative drugs for genetic disorders.
• Novel digestion enzymes deliver complete RNA sequence coverageⁱ for more confident characterization, while new LC-MS-grade reagents increase sensitivity and improve detection accuracy of RNA components.ⁱⁱ
• New waters_connect™ MAP Sequence software accelerates RNA oligonucleotide mapping using semi-automated workflows that reduce data processing time over manual techniques, enabling routine monitoring of key product attributes.

Waters Corporation  introduced a comprehensive set of sample preparation enzymes, reagents, and waters_connect software that simplify sequence and modification confirmation of large molecule RNA therapeutics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. When used together in a workflow, these bioseparations tools help accelerate and improve the development of innovative large molecule RNA-based pharmaceuticals, such as CRISPR sgRNA and mRNA therapeutics.

Large molecule RNA (ribonucleic acid) therapeutics represent some of the most exciting and potentially life-saving developments in pharmaceuticals today. They include new and more effective vaccines for diseases like COVID-19, personalized cancer treatments, as well as emerging CRISPR RNA therapies that address challenging genetic conditions, such as sickle cell anemia.

"As RNA-based therapies are prepared for widespread use, more direct composition measurements are needed to ensure stability, safety, and effectiveness for patients," said Erin Chambers, Vice President, Consumables and Lab Automation at Waters Corporation. "The combination of Waters enzymes, reagents, and software are specially designed to simplify the confirmation of sequence and modifications of complex molecules. These analytical tools can accelerate RNA therapeutic development and lower barriers for use by LC-MS non-experts."

"As innovators looking to help our customers advance nucleic acid-based therapies and reduce the burden of serious diseases, we are always seeking new technologies to improve characterization and accelerate development," said Arnaud Delobel, PhD, R&D and Innovation Director at Quality Assistance S.A. and beta tester of the Waters RNA analytical tools. "Waters new enzymes efficiently digest mRNA and sgRNA with short incubation times and data processing in MAP Sequence allows the user to obtain reproducible results quickly with confidence."

The Waters RNA analytical tools include:

• Enzymes: Two novel enzymes, RapiZyme™ MC1 and RapiZyme Cusativin, are used in a simplified three-step protocol that provides complete LC-MS sequence coverage over traditional digestion methods enabling more confident characterization of RNA molecules.ⁱⁱⁱ
• Reagents: IonHance™ HFIP, an LC-MS-grade reagent, is formulated to improve ionization and delivers increased spectral clarity and detection accuracy of RNA components.
• Software: New MAP Sequence application on the waters_connect software platform simplifies RNA LC-MS oligo mapping workflows to accelerate analysis and data processing time over manual techniques using spreadsheets.

Used together within a workflow, the tools generate an LC-MS fingerprint to confirm product identity, purity, and efficacy. The tools improve sequence coverage, LC-MS spectral data quality, and data interpretation. Supported by the compliance-ready waters_connect software platform, these tools help transition LC and LC-MS-based digestion analysis from discovery and development to release and at-line process analytical testing.