Waters Launches Cyclic IMS P20 Mass Spectrometer, Setting a New Benchmark for Structural Biology and Spatial Omics Research

News Summary:

• MS/MS sensitivity improved by more than 10 times, combined with multi-pass cyclic ion mobility spectrometry (Cyclic™ IMS), revealing subtle biological differences, detecting disease signals earlier, and breaking through previous detection limitations¹.
• Upper mass range extended by over 50%, combined with comprehensive structural analysis tools to support the development of next-generation biotherapeutics².
• Integrated MALDI XS and DESI XS imaging ion sources, combined with high-resolution ion mobility technology, enabling comprehensive visualization of molecules in tissues and facilitating in-depth exploration of disease mechanisms at the cellular level³.

Milford, Massachusetts, USAJune 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 74th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics – Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) today proudly launched the Waters^TM Cyclic^TM IMS P20 high-resolution mass spectrometer for research in structural biology and spatial omics, aiming to help scientists gain clearer insights into biological essence and more efficiently translate discoveries into actions. This instrument deeply integrates cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry technology with a series of enhanced fragmentation, ionization, and imaging modes, offering not only a novel design but also powerful capabilities to provide reliable scientific evidence for early detection of disease signals, applicable to scenarios ranging from protein misfolding to post-translational modifications. The system is equipped with full-spectrum molecular imaging functionality, enabling excellent visualization in a single experiment, breaking through previous technical limitations¹, accelerating drug discovery and development processes, and assisting researchers in deeply analyzing complex biological mechanisms.

The Waters Cyclic IMS P20 mass spectrometer integrates multi-pass cyclic ion mobility spectrometry technology with enhanced fragmentation, ionization, and imaging modes, capable of revealing subtle biological differences and achieving earlier, more precise detection of disease signals that were previously difficult to obtain.

James Hallam, Vice President and General Manager of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in the Analytical Science Business at Waters Corporation, stated: “Waters understands that advanced tools for structural biology and spatial omics are key drivers for achieving breakthrough results in therapeutic drugs. With its powerful multi-dimensional functional integration, the Cyclic IMS P20 mass spectrometer can reveal subtle molecular differences from a new perspective, elevating researchers’ understanding of disease-driving mechanisms to new heights and powerfully advancing the discovery of next-generation drugs.”

As researchers continue to explore larger, more heterogeneous therapeutic targets, the demands on analytical workflows for sensitivity, structural resolution, and ease of use are increasing. The Cyclic IMS P20 mass spectrometer is designed for this purpose: compared to the previous generation, its MS/MS sensitivity has increased by more than 10 times², and the upper mass range has been extended by over 50%, exceeding 100 kDa³. Additionally, it offers a series of complementary structural probing methods, including tandem ion mobility spectrometry (IMSⁿ), electron capture dissociation (ECD), surface-induced dissociation (SID), and collision-induced unfolding (CIU), providing a comprehensive spatial and structural molecular view within a single platform.

Dr. Kostas Thalassinos, Professor and Academic Lead of Mass Spectrometry at the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, said: “Our laboratory focuses on studying protein misfolding phenomena that drive human diseases, and characterizing such proteins has always been extremely challenging. Using the advanced capabilities of the Cyclic IMS P20 mass spectrometer, we conducted complex tandem ion mobility experiments on low-abundance forms of a key molecule involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The sensitivity improvement brought by the new features is indeed very significant. This will greatly accelerate our analysis process — potentially by an order of magnitude — helping us more carefully probe critical low-abundance species. These rare molecular populations are crucial for revealing the mechanisms of human disease.”

The Cyclic IMS P20 mass spectrometer also integrates matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) imaging sources into the same system, pioneeringly combining them with advanced multi-pass cyclic ion mobility (Cyclic IMS) separation to help researchers obtain more and clearer information directly from samples. This innovative technical approach broadens the detection range for small molecules, lipids, peptides, and proteins, while enabling the separation of isomeric and stereoisomeric compounds. Furthermore, the system provides multi-dimensional insights, elucidating the connection between molecular composition and tissue microenvironment, supporting the direct use of tissue samples for biomarker identification. It delivers information-rich and easily interpretable molecular maps, providing more reliable data for lipidomics, drug and metabolite localization, translational research, and other experiments requiring visualization.

The Waters Cyclic IMS P20 mass spectrometer will be showcased at the 2026 ASMS Conference. For more information or to schedule a product demonstration, please visit the product page.

Additional Resources

• For more information, visit the Cyclic IMS P20 mass spectrometer product page

Waters and Cyclic are trademarks of Waters Corporation or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Waters Corporation

Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) is a leading company in the global life sciences and diagnostics field, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of cutting-edge science through analytical technology, informatics, and services. We focus on regulated, high-throughput testing, and our innovative product portfolio combines deep scientific expertise in chemistry, physics, and biology. We work with global customers to advance the launch of high-quality drugs, ensure the safety of food and water, and improve patient health through early disease detection, routine infection management, and antibiotic resistance prevention. Driven by a shared culture of relentless innovation, approximately 16,000 passionate employees worldwide turn scientific challenges into breakthrough results that benefit the globe.

References

1. Performance of imaging modes and examples of ion mobility separation in tissues; based on internal Waters testing, with relevant protocols and sample details archived.
2. MS/MS sensitivity improvement of up to 10 times (Cyclic IMS P20 compared to previous generation instrument); based on internal Waters testing; relevant protocols and sample details archived.
3. Upper mass range extended by over 50%; with representative analytes; based on internal Waters testing; see Cyclic IMS P20 specification sheet for details.

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