The API 5000 LC/MS/MS System achieves an average nine-fold increase in sensitivity and four-fold improvement in signal-to-noise ratio over other commercially available systems.
The system incorporates the QJet ion guide, introduced in the API 5000 LC/MS/MS System, capturing more ions and focusing the ion beam with improved ion transmission and sensitivity.
"This increases the ability to assay a drug candidate, its metabolites or contaminants," said Catherine Burzik, president of Applied Biosystems.
This combination permits the use of smaller sample sizes, conserving limited material for additional studies. When paired with the Turbo V ion source, users can easily increase flow rates and throughput without a corresponding loss in signal.
Dr David Speechly, vice president of the Applera Corporation, Applied Biosystem's parent group, told DrugResearcher.com: "The new API 5000 addresses the needs of our core triple quadrupole customers whose applications are focused on quantitative small molecule applications such as drug metabolism pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and ADME (absorbtion, distribution, metabolism, excretion) toxicity studies.
"For this customer group improving sensitivity is the primary critical product feature. As such, the primary target market is Pharma and clinical research organisations (CRO)."
The mass spectrometer system was developed in conjunction with Applied Biosystem's partner MDS Sciex. The collaboration adds to the already sizable share of the high-end mass spectrometry segment MDS currently hold.
Applera's mass spectrometry product category has grown consistently over the past few quarters, and has had a 17 per cent growth rate in this product category in fiscal 2004 (ended June 30th 2004).
The new system aims to improve on its predecessor, the API 4000, which is seen as the industry standard triple quadrupole mass spec for small molecule quantitation.Other companies that offer triple quads are Thermo (Quantum Ultra AM) and Waters (Quattro Premier)
The API 5000 System is introduced in conjunction with Analyst 1.4.1 Software, which offers automated features including sampling and data analysis for added ease-of-use and higher throughput.
Analyst 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.
The API 5000 is available from January 12th with a US price tag of $450,000 and a price in Europe of €450,000.