Waters launches charge detection MS technology to accelerate next-gen biotherapeutics
New Xevo™ CDMS system will have a significant impact on scientists’ ability to analyze and categorize large molecules central to next-generation therapeutics
16 Oct 2025Product news
Waters Corporation has unveiled the Waters Xevo™ Charge Detection Mass Spectrometer (CDMS), delivering unmatched measurement and characterization for the broadest range of mega-mass biomolecules central to next-generation therapeutics and structural biology.
With the rapid growth of cell and gene therapies, mRNA, and complex protein therapeutics, scientists face significant challenges in analyzing increasingly large and heterogeneous drug modalities – yet existing tools are limited in resolution, sensitivity, and compliance-readiness.
The Xevo CDMS System addresses these gaps with direct, individual-particle mass measurement for molecules up to 150+ MDa, enabling previously unattainable analysis of protein complexes, nucleic acids, lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, and more.
Powered by the GxP-ready waters_connect™ Software, the Waters Xevo CDMS provides confident analysis of new modalities, like empty, partial, and full viral vector capsids, using up to 100-fold less sample volume than that required by current techniques, and delivering results in less than 10 minutes, even at concentrations as low as 1010 vp/mL. This new capability paves the way for real-time characterization of gene therapies during process development – ultimately improving the safety and efficacy of advanced therapies.
Additionally, CDMS absolves the need for deconvolution or digestion approaches to achieve simple and accurate analysis of complex molecules. This transformational mass spectrometry advancement supports a wide range of applications – from discovery and research, through process development, to regulatory approval and manufacturing.
At the heart of the Xevo CDMS is the Electrostatic Linear Ion Trap (ELIT), which provides direct measurement of individual ions through simultaneous measurement of their mass-to-charge ratio and mass. The novel technology was developed by Indiana University and Megadalton Solutions, founded by Distinguished Professors Martin Jarrold and David Clemmer at Indiana University. Waters 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. Today, we are proud to introduce the first-of-its-kind Xevo Charge Detection Mass Spectrometer, enabling the precise analysis of previously unmeasurable molecules," said Udit Batra, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Waters Corporation.
"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," he added.