Applied Biosystems/MDS Sciex Introduce New Mass Spectrometer For Small Molecule Quantification Studies

Applied Biosystems (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, together with its partner MDS Sciex (NYSE:MDZ)(TSX:MDS), today announced the release of the API 5000(TM) LC/MS/MS System, the latest addition to its API family of triple quadrupole analyzers. The API 5000(TM) LC/MS/MS System brings the most sensitive and accurate mass spectrometer to the market for small molecule quantification, which is essential for DMPK(1) and ADMET(2) studies. The system sets a new industry standard by achieving an average nine-fold increase in sensitivity and four-fold improvement in signal-to-noise ratio over other commercially available systems. The instrument will be unveiled to customers in demonstrations around the globe during the coming weeks.

"Pharmaceutical development and clinical research organizations require better tools for critical safety and efficacy studies. The improved sensitivity provided by the API 5000(TM) LC/MS/MS System increases the ability to assay a drug candidate, its metabolites or contaminants," said Catherine M. Burzik, President of Applied Biosystems. "This system can enable these groups to make better decisions during the costly process of bringing new drugs to market."

"The innovative QJet(TM) ion guide, introduced in the API 5000(TM) LC/MS/MS System, captures more ions and focuses the ion beam with high efficiency for improving ion transmission, yielding unparalleled sensitivity," said Andy Boorn, President of MDS Sciex. "This combination permits the use of smaller sample sizes, conserving often limited material for additional studies. When paired with the Turbo V(TM) ion source, users can easily increase flow rates and throughput without a corresponding loss in signal."

"Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX is proud to offer the next generation platform for bioanalytical research," said Laura Lauman, Division President, Proteomics and Small Molecule Business for Applied Biosystems. "Maximum sensitivity is a hallmark of our API product line and the API 5000(TM) LC/MS/MS System continues this tradition, combining robustness and reliability with the latest technology innovations for the most sensitive and accurate results for greater productivity."

The API 5000(TM) System is introduced in conjunction with Analyst(R) 1.4.1 Software, which offers automated features including sampling and data analysis for added ease-of-use and higher throughput. Analyst(R) 1.4.1 Software also adds groundbreaking tools to the Lab, allowing for seamless security, smooth network acquisition, and flexible but strong auditing capabilities. These features allow for efficient, integrated analysis in a networked environment, and assists with GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.