SGS, a leading bio/pharmaceutical analytical and bioanalytical contract solutions provider, is now offering clients large molecule bioanalytical services at its laboratory in Wavre, Belgium. The facility has invested in new and dedicated LC/MS-MS instruments and is currently validating internal methods within the laboratory, ensuring that services will be available by the end of 2017.

The investment includes the installation of Sciex instruments, and the introduction of supporting Sciex BioBA sample preparation kits. This will allow the laboratory to handle the analysis of a wide range of samples, including peptides, proteins and complex biological molecules, such as monoclonal antibodies. Initially, the service will focus on pre-clinical samples, with the aim of rapidly expanding this to analytical methods used for clinical studies.

“Our laboratory at Wavre has a rich history and expertise in small molecule analysis and the use of LC/MS-MS techniques,” said Bernard Jeanbaptiste, bioanalysis manager for SGS Belgium. “As a result, this investment is a natural progression of our capabilities, enabling us to serve the growing market for large molecule analysis and characterization. The investment will bring value to clients and support our current activities in large molecule bioanalysis across the global SGS network.”

SGS’s Wavre 8,400-square meter laboratory, on the outskirts of Brussels, provides a wide range of services to clients around the world, including method development and validation, analytical chemistry, microbiological testing, potency assays and cell line characterization.