Blue Stream Laboratories Debuts Cutting-Edge Mass Spectrometry Methods for In-Depth Protein Analysis

Published: Feb 13, 2013

CAMBRIDGE, MA--(Marketwire - February 13, 2013) -

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Blue Stream Laboratories, an advanced analytical laboratory specializing in recombinant glycoprotein and complex biologics characterization services, has enhanced its Mass Spectrometry (MS) capabilities with the addition of new personnel and instrumentation. Headed by industry veteran Elaine Stephens, Ph.D., the Cambridge, MA-based MS lab provides innovative and responsive analytical expertise from pre-IND through cGMP clinical phase product development.

"Our clients rely on us to characterize by MS complex glycoproteins, antibodies, and biosimilars, and our advanced, in-house methods are consistently able to address their biggest challenges," said Dr. Stephens. "For site-specific characterizations of N- and O-linked glycans on glycoproteins, we routinely use glycopeptide enrichment and exhaustive protease digestion platforms. A number of client programs have required detailed characterization of PEGylated proteins. We have devised methods that facilitate the identification of PEGylated sites in these challenging bioconjugates, making us experts in this space."

Dr. Stephens brings more than 15 years of experience as Head of Mass Spectrometry. She has in-depth expertise in protein characterization using mass spectrometry, with extensive knowledge in glycoprotein structure elucidation. Before joining Blue Stream, Dr. Stephens spent many years as Head of Mass Spectrometry at two world-class research laboratories in the UK, the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and the Chemistry Department at Cambridge University. She has authored and co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications.

Jing Li, Ph.D., recently joined Blue Stream as a scientist for mass spectrometry characterization. Dr. Li gained extensive experience in mass spectrometry and glycomics at MIT, where she helped to develop glycan-based vaccines and therapeutics. She received a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Chicago.

Along with new personnel and enhanced methods, the Mass Spectrometry Facility recently added two new mass spectrometer systems. The Agilent 6538 QTOF system significantly improves the laboratory's data quality and sample throughput while complementing the laboratory's existing MS instruments. The Thermo TSQ Vantage Triple Stage Quadrupole system provides capabilities for quantitative analysis of biosimilars, peptides, and other biologics.

In making the announcement, Michael Kouchakdjian, Ph.D., President of Blue Stream Laboratories, said, "Our clients tell us that they come to Blue Stream for our unmatched expertise and speed in characterizing their complex biologics. Our methods and personnel allow us to provide high quality data coupled with in-depth interpretation, enabling clients to make better-informed decisions more quickly and with greater confidence as they advance their development programs."

Blue Stream will host a workshop that presents mass spectrometry and biophysical methods for characterizing complex biologics from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on February 25, co-located with the MassBIO CRO/CMO Symposium at the Boston Newton Marriott. For more information, please contact Joseph Lee of Blue Stream Laboratories at 617-234-0001.

For more information, please visit Blue Stream at www.bluestreamlabs.com.

About Blue Stream Laboratories
Blue Stream Laboratories is an advanced analytical laboratory specializing in recombinant glycoprotein and complex biologics characterization services. Blue Stream supports pre-IND through cGMP clinical phase product development programs for product characterization, lot release, and stability programs. Located in Cambridge and serving companies throughout the U.S. and overseas, Blue Stream's clients range from small start-ups and virtual biotechs to Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and medical device companies. For more information, please visit the company website at www.bluestreamlabs.com.