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Mass Spectrometry









Advanced Mass Spectrometry technology for better decision-making

Mass Spectrometry (MS) is one of the most powerful and flexible analytical technologies in modern drug discovery.

We support innovators with expert advice, novel workflow development and high-throughput analysis using state-of-the-art MS platforms.

Whether you are looking at drug distribution, uncovering biomarkers or tracing metabolic activity, our team can help you generate the right data faster.

Our Mass Spectrometry team will help you navigate the complex space of current methods and instrumental platforms, offering solutions from early discovery and preclinical evaluation through to the clinic to advance your project.

We provide lab services ranging from sample preparation for MS application to analysis and data processing.


A scientist overlooks the operation of a mass spectrometer, analysing the surface of tissue for drug discovery research

























Specialist areas

Biomarker discovery strategy
We combine ultra-high-resolution MS with computational pipelines to implement biomarker discovery strategies. Our workflows integrate multi-omics (proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics) data to identify, verify and quantify biomarkers of disease and therapeutic response.

Biodistribution studies
We use Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) to assess drug and molecular ions distribution across tissues and organs. These methods provide spatial and molecular insight to support pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.

Protein analysis – Proteomics
Our MS approaches include stability, aggregation, and post-translational modifications. We support therapeutic programmes with detailed analysis of intact proteins and their interactions.

Metabolomics and lipidomics
We deliver targeted and untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics studies using high-resolution MS platforms. These assays uncover cellular changes, elucidate pathway activity, and support mechanism-of-action investigations.

Screening assays
We develop scalable assays for compound screening. These high-throughput workflows allow detection of enzymatic activity, target engagement, and cellular response, particularly where traditional readouts are limited.

Bioinformatics
We use dedicated bioinformatics pipelines and statistical tools to interpret complex datasets from Mass Spectrometry and multi-omic platforms. Our team helps translate large-scale molecular data into actionable insights that support target discovery, biomarker validation, and pathway analysis.




Our technologies

MS Platforms: Thermo Orbitrap Astral™, Thermo Exploris™ 240, Waters Synapt G2-Si, Waters Xevo TQ-XS.
Chromatography: UHPLC, nano-HPLC, high/micro/low flow setups.
Ion sources: ESI, nESI, DESI, AP-MALDI.







“Mass Spectrometry is an immensely powerful tool in bioanalysis and medicines discovery. Our MS laboratories support everything from small molecule analysis to spatial biomarker discovery.

Our team is here to help you unlock richer, faster insights across the discovery pipeline.”

Dr Bruno Bellina, Lead Scientist













See how we have helped innovators


CPSA is an ingenious extension of the target engagement toolbox. It is easier to upscale and control in high throughput screening applications than currently available methods. With exemplary support from MDC we have smoothly incorporated it into our Drug Discovery pipeline.

Selvita

MDC’s R&D consulting has been transformative, refining our HT8457S strategy with scientific rigour, identifying and mitigating risks, and strengthening our business model, significantly enhancing Haiku’s credibility.

Haiku Therapeutics

The partnership with MDC has allowed us to secure multiple Innovate UK grants and utilise capabilities such as state-of-the-art PET, which aren’t available elsewhere.

Alchemab Therapeutics

For the first time, we have been able to generate a map of lung fibrosis in 3D at the tissue scale. Collaborating with MDC has been key to its success. Their expertise has supported the successful integration of state-of-the-art technologies, establishing a valuable new resource for the lung fibrosis community.

University of Southampton

Working with MDC allowed us to visualise drug distribution in the brain with a level of clarity we hadn’t achieved before. Their expertise in DESI-MS and willingness to design a project that met our demands provided powerful insights into diffusion patterns, giving us confidence in our compound’s delivery.

TargTex

We worked with the Mass Spectrometry team at MDC to help set up and run a complex biochemical assay. The project was technically demanding, but the deep expertise, knowledge and collaborative approach allowed the team to troubleshoot the many challenges and successfully deliver a viable approach.

Oppilotech

The team at MDC shares our passion for bringing forward innovative medicines, pioneering new technologies, and operating with data-driven flexibility. They have been integral to our project success and possess unique capabilities to support later-stage candidate selection. A truly valued collaborator and dependable partner.

Artbio

Elasmogen was impressed by the quality and rapid delivery timelines for our radiopharmaceutical dosimetry data. There was good interactivity in this project, and we are happy to recommend this service.

Elasmogen

Our collaboration with Medicines Discovery Catapult will not only enable us to engage with the wider scientific community but will also allow us to unlock the potential of Acoustic Mass Spectrometry within drug discovery.

Innovative Medicines and Early Development (IMED) Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca

It’s been absolutely amazing working with MDC and the team.

LUNAC Therapeutics

MDC supported us in developing a therapeutic for Huntington’s Disease through antibody characterisation, iPSC model development, biodistribution studies, imaging and neurodegenerative expertise.

Alchemab Therapeutics

We worked together with MDC on a very challenging and demanding project. The MDC team’s expertise in MSI, commitment and flexibility were key to a successful collaboration and reaching our objectives.

TargTex

MDC are as involved in our project as the founding team, going above and beyond what I expected. I recommend them to new ventures starting out; even if you don’t know exactly what you need, the team can work with you to achieve some phenomenal results.

KLAS Therapeutics

Working with MDC has provided expertise and intellectual input. It has also enabled access to a wider network of companies providing specialist services.

N4 Pharma

By tapping into MDC’s unique drug development expertise and facilities, we are confident we will accelerate the preclinical development of our drug delivery system and its commercialisation.

Sixfold Bioscience

It has been a pleasure working with MDC as their scientists are pleasant and have a broad range of talents.
Importantly for projects like ours, they openly and professionally exchange ideas with SMi’s scientific team and keep us abreast of their research developments.

SMi Systems

It has been great to access the Artificial Intelligence expertise at Medicines Discovery Catapult.
The team has taken an innovative approach that adds value to our product and will benefit our customers.

BioAscent

As an SME, working with MDC allows us access to scientific know-how and in vivo imaging techniques that would be impossible through any other route. The closeness, timeliness and flexibility of the collaboration significantly accelerated our ability to develop the product.

Xerion Healthcare

We have collaborated with MDC for three years, and it continues to provide valuable and high-quality data on our molecules. MDC’s input has directly impacted operational and strategic decisions for our projects and allowed us to move forward with our clinical studies.

Revolo Biotherapeutics

For early-stage SMEs in this space, I thoroughly recommend engaging with MDC, who have the end-to-end knowledge in complex medicines, can support your in-house team and provide access to key equipment that start-ups may not have.

pHion Therapeutics





We are ISO 45001 certified 

The world’s first international standard for occupational health and safety. The accreditation has been certified by Interface NRM, a UKAS and ASI–accredited certification body.














Collaborate with our experts to enhance your drug discovery project.

We will help you to choose the right analytical approach to generate high-quality, decision-driving data, whether you are exploring for novel biomarkers, target engagement, or biodistribution.

Fill in the form today and speak to us to see how we can help advance your drug discovery project.







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