This week, Bio-Techne, a provider of life science tools, reagents, and diagnostic product, and Refeyn, a pioneer in mass photometry technology, announced the launch of an integrated workflow for characterizing charge and size variants in bispecific antibodies and biosimilars.
The workflow combines Bio-Techne’s R&D Systems MauriceFlex™ imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF) fractionation system with Refeyn’s TwoMP mass photometry platform. The combined solution makes it possible for researchers to directly correlate charge heterogeneity with molecular weight and aggregation at single‑molecule resolution in four hours.
“Bispecifics are the fastest growing segment within next‑generation antibodies, but they are very difficult to characterize,” said Gerry Mackay, CEO of Refeyn. That difficulty is due to the structural complexity of these molecules. Incomplete characterization can delay development, increase manufacturing risks, and lead to costly late-stage failures. “This approach directly addresses one of the biggest challenges by combining icIEF fractionation with mass photometry. Researchers can now interrogate charge and size variants together in a single workflow,” he said.
Within the workflow, charge variants are first separated using the MauriceFlex system. They are then analyzed on Refeyn’s TwoMP platform. The system requires a nanogram‑level sample and reveals size distribution and aggregation at single‑molecule resolution.
Together, the technologies enable direct characterization of aggregation and size within icIEF-resolved charge variants, something which is not accessible with standalone methods. It reduces reliance on multiple tests and supports faster, more efficient process development.
These capabilities are a boon for customers, according to Will Geist, president of Bio‑Techne’s Protein Sciences Segment. “Enabling deeper characterization with less sample helps them reduce risk, control costs, and make better decisions earlier in development.”
