Highlights From the 2025 American Society for Mass Spectrometry Conference | By Jean-François Larocque and Benjamin Charron
We were thrilled to represent Altasciences at this year’s American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) conference in Baltimore. With 6,000 scientists, students, and industry professionals from around the globe in attendance, it was an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest developments in mass spectrometry and share insights with other passionate scientists.
POSTER PRESENTATION: SPECIFICITY CHALLENGES IN LC-MS/MS QUANTITATION
Benjamin (Scientist I, Method Development, Altasciences) presented a poster titled “Strategy for Addressing Specificity Challenges in Quantitation of Etonogestrel in Human Plasma by LC-MS/MS”. The poster highlighted the changes in blank matrices collection procedures at vendor sites and the impact on validated bioanalytical assays. In the presented case study, Benjamin described the strategy we adopt at Altasciences to mitigate the issue. The matter sparked significant interest, as several fellow scientists experienced similar issues and shared their findings. This is a great example of the progress-oriented mindset you find at the ASMS!
Curious to see this poster in action? Watch my presentation here:
BIOANALYSIS INNOVATION AT ITS BEST!
With over 600 posters presented daily at ASMS 2025, dozens of vendor booths, and hundreds of educational sessions, it would be impossible to highlight all the innovations featured over the event’s six days! However, it is worth mentioning that our long-time partner, Sciex, a leader in mass spectrometry development, released their new platform, the ZenoTOF 8600 system, providing unprecedented sensitivity and versatility.
MASS SPECTROMETRY TO UNDERSTAND THE UNIVERSE
This year’s closing plenary lecture was given by Melissa Trainer, Deputy Principal Investigator for NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Saturn’s moon Ti
tan. She presented an overview of the mission and explained how mass spectrometry is a central tool in this fascinating quest to understand our universe. A perfect way to end a fruitful conference!
ALTASCIENCES’ EXTENSIVE BIOANALYTICAL OFFERING
Responsive and flexible, our team of over 200 bioanalytical subject matter experts is here for you. From preclinical to Phase IV, we work scientist to scientist as a collaborative CRO/CDMO partner to deliver integrated bioanalytical solutions for your toughest assay needs. Following clear processes, in accordance with GLP and current FDA/EMA guidelines—and supported by our unique array of platforms and large list of validated assays—our team ensures the most effective methods for your individual programs. We have state-of-the-art, purpose-built laboratories at our locations in the U.S. and Canada, with designated containment Level 2 areas for work with Risk Group 2 pathogens. Staffed by highly skilled analysts, and shifts running 24/7 (as needed), we can process over 60,000 study samples per month.
Ready to advance your next project? Get in touch with us or one of our colleagues to see how our innovative solutions can speed up your drug development process.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Jean-François Larocque, Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry, Altasciences
Jean-François joined Altasciences in 2019 and is based in the Greater Montréal Area (Canada). As principal scientist in the small molecule method development group, he is responsible for assay development, working closely with clients to bring their products one step closer to approval. Jean-François has been developing bioanalytical assays for over 20 years now.
Connect with Jean-François on LinkedIn.
Benjamin Charron, PhD, Scientist I, Method Development, Altasciences
Benjamin joined Altasciences in 2023 after developing bioanalytical sensors in academia for seven years. As a scientist, he is responsible for assay development and supporting regulated scientists for a smooth transition of the methods to a validated state. He is based in the Greater Montréal Area (Canada).
