A Medicinal Chemist’s View on using the Advion CMS

Explore how the expression CMS has been used by the Drug Discovery Unit at the University of Dundee. Learn how the medical chemistry team has integrated the instrument in to their everyday workflow. The team required a system with a small footprint that can be moved between labs, but was still capable of integrating with systems in their well-equipped laboratories. The expression CMS fit the needs of the organization and increased efficiencies in the lab.

University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Q: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LAB’S RESEARCH?
A: In our Department of Medicinal Chemistry we have focus on the synthesis of novel molecules with biological activity. We synthesize molecules of natural origin, peptides and heterocyclic compounds. As integral part of the department’s work we also do drug analysis.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR PREVIOUS WORK FLOW OR CHALLENGES?

A: The modern Faculty of Pharmacy provides state-of-the art analytical techniques. We have a 400 MHz NMR in our department and access to 600 MHz and 800 MHz NMRs in the Infrastructural Centre. Furthermore, we routinely use FT IR, DAD HPLC. At one point biggest bottleneck was MS, as we had access to HRMS, but we did not have MS in our department for routinely use in synthesis and analytical procedures.

Q: WHY DID YOU INCORPORATE THE EXPRESSION® CMS INTO YOUR LABORATORY?

A: We thought that a robust, easy to use MS would be most useful in our laboratory to make our work faster and most efficient. Versatile use, simple use of various ion sources, and direct application of samples from TLC or use of dissolved samples, were possibilities which persuaded us.

Q: WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO PURCHASE THE EXPRESSION® CMS?

A: We would recommend the expression® CMS to every medicinal chemistry department, who would use MS in a daily routine from undergraduate students to post-docs. Doing MS analysis is now a common and integral part of our work as well as doing TLC-MS-coupling with the Plate Express™. It is an excellent way for entry level to mass spectrometry, because of simple use, robustness and good results of analysis.

University of Dundee, Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), United Kingdom

Q: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LAB’S RESEARCH?

A: The Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), based at the University of Dundee, is an independent, fully integrated Drug Discovery Group that works across multiple disease areas. We are active in areas of unmet medical need and bridge the gap between academic research and industrial drug discovery. Our staff are multi-disciplinary and come from both Academic and Industrial backgrounds.

Q: WHY DID YOU INCORPORATE THE EXPRESSION CMS INTO YOUR LABORATORY?

A: We needed a mass spectrometer that was easy to install, operate and move as well as available at a reasonable price. We have had the instrument for over a year now and are very happy with it.

Q: HOW DO YOU USE THE EXPRESSION CMS?

A: We have the expression linked to an HPLC instrument and it is used as an open access system. The combination of UV purity data along with MS confirmation is incredibly powerful for our chemists. The instrument is networked so our chemists can then process and review data from their desks.

Montclair State University, Rotella Lab

Q: What is the focus of your lab’s research?

A: Medicinal chemistry research in my lab is a collaborative exercise where we engage other scientists with complementary interests. Currently, we are engaged in the discovery of protein kinase inhibitors for anti-infective and anti-inflammatory applications and in the discovery of new agents useful for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. We are working with others at MSU as well as scientists in other universities and research institutes.

Q: Why did you incorporate the expression CMS into your laboratory?

A: As a medicinal chemist working in the industry, I wanted to have access to the same technology for my group’s research at MSU. However, working in the industry I had experts to run samples. In my lab at MSU, it is essential to have the same technology available in an easy to use the instrument. Not only do the expression CMS specifications meet our needs perfectly, but also it runs without a hitch and it is easily serviceable by a non-expert.

Q: Who would you recommend to purchase the expression CMS?

A: I would recommend the expression CMS to any non-expert chemist or laboratory who needs access to this level of technology. The Advion service and support groups make it accessible.