Rediscovering Innovation: Bioanalytical Highlights from the 73^rd ASMS Conference in Baltimore

After more than a decade away, returning to the 73rd American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) Conference in Baltimore this June felt like stepping back into the vibrant core of mass spectrometry innovation. With over 6,200 attendees, the event was nearly back to pre-pandemic levels—buzzing with energy, fresh ideas, packed hospitality suites, and a strong sense of community.

One thing that stood out immediately was the profound influence of the ‘omics’ on modern mass spectrometry (MS). From applications to instrument development, MS is now deeply integrated into systems biology. The advances in understanding living systems—and the potential to translate that knowledge into improved human health—are truly remarkable. I left inspired by the educational depth and the emerging tools and techniques that can be leveraged in bioanalytical sciences.
Here are my top five takeaways from ASMS 2025:
________________________________________
1. Continued Progress in HRMS

High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) remains a personal favorite, and its value in bioanalysis continues to grow. While proteomics dominated much of the vendor focus, it was clear that the bioanalytical market is gaining attention too. Our investment in Q-Orbitrap instruments has paid off, but Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (Q-ToF) developments are also catching the eye.

HRMS is proving especially useful for challenging analytes like oligonucleotides, cyclic peptides, steroids, and bile acids—cases where traditional Collision-Induced Dissociation (CID) MS/MS fragmentation falls short. Accurate mass measurements of intact ions offerrs a compelling alternative. The crossover of HRMS advantages from proteomics to biotherapeutics and biomarker analysis has been happening for some time, and I draw your attention to this trend continuing. I’ve seen advances in mass resolution, mass stability, scanning speeds and software initially directed at proteomic investigations to be conveniently applicable to quantitative bioanalysis of ADCs and other biologic molecules using hybrid immunoaffinity-LC-HRMS. The integration of HRMS with advanced chromatography yet further leverages the technology.     
________________________________________
2. The Rise of Nano-Flow Chromatography

Nano-flow chromatography has become synonymous with omics research—and for good reason. The low-flow techniques minimize sample consumption and enable LC-MS configurations that maximize data extraction through rapid MS scanning.

Historically, low-flow chromatography extended the LC-MS experiment to enable maximum data generation from a given sample, but this conflicted with bioanalytical workflows focused on targeted quantitation and speed. Today however, with faster scanning and better data handling, even proteomics labs are seeing a push for increased Samples Per Day (SPD). This has recently led to exciting advances that the bioanalytical labs can benefit from. The vendor booths were brimming with nano- and micro-flow interfaces, columns, and consumables—including some promising cartridge-based LC systems aimed at simplifying low-flow setups. The adoption of low-flow chromatography in regulated bioanalysis is dependent on reliable and rugged system technology and this is the trend I’m seeing. The associated sensitivity improvements of the likes of nano-flow LC continue to be an attractive prospect especially when combined with the mass spectrometer capabilities we are seeing emerge. Of course, all of these LC-MS advances are leading to increased data volumes and the necessity for tools to help manage, interrogate and draw conclusions.
________________________________________
3. AI is Everywhere—Including ASMS

With modern MS generating massive datasets, it’s no surprise that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role. Again, the omics field is defined by the ability to mine the large data sets which LC-MS can generate. Agentic AI is automating proteomic workflows, improving protein coverage, and boosting throughput through predictive and validation algorithms. It’s interesting to contemplate how such technology could influence regulated bioanalysis. I think it will as we’ve seen with the advances in hardware. Automation of bioanalytical workflows is not difficult to envisage as well as the ability to mine more valuable information from a given bioanalytical LC-MS experiment. For example, the potential to process intact-mass HRMS data with AI to deduce complementary data to the targeted analyte quantitation (e.g., metabolites) could be a direct extension of what is happening today with proteomic investigations. 

Deep learning is making strides across proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, and glycomics—enabling autonomous insights into disease mechanisms. AI is helping interpret complex datasets and connect to external knowledge bases more efficiently than ever. Still, human oversight remains essential. I can only expect that regulated bioanalysis will be a conservative gatekeeper on AI adoption and for good reason. As one speaker aptly put it: “The computer cannot be held accountable.” A timely reminder that AI is a tool—not a replacement for expert judgment.
________________________________________
4. Regulated Bioanalysis Interest Group Workshop

I was curious how well-attended the Regulated Bioanalysis Interest Group workshop would be given ASMS’s broader focus. To my surprise, it was standing room only. Topics included ADCs, oligonucleotides, biomarkers, and cross-validation—each addressed through concise presentations followed by a lively panel discussion.

In particular, the topic of cross-validation sparked debate. As I’ve written before, the ICH M10 guidance intentionally avoids rigid acceptance criteria, emphasizing the importance of understanding bias between methods. While statistical tools are recommended, interpretation ultimately lies with the data user. 

Kudos to the presenters for spotlighting regulated bioanalysis with this workshop—it was clearly appreciated.
________________________________________
5. Honoring a Legend: Prof. Jack Henion

A standout moment of ASMS was watching Prof. Jack Henion receive the prestigious John B. Fenn Award. As co-founder of the Ithaca laboratory where I work (formerly Advion Biosciences) and a pioneer in LC-MS, Jack’s contributions—especially the invention of pneumatically assisted electrospray ionization—have profoundly shaped the field. It always amuses me to see how people take the interfacing of LC to a MS for granted but it was not always so straightforward. Jack’s career retrospective was both inspiring and humbling, and the packed room was a testament to his enduring legacy. Congratulations, Jack, on a stellar career!

In Summary
Ten years was far too long to be away from ASMS. Despite the pandemic, the progress in LC-MS has been nothing short of extraordinary. This conference reaffirmed the strength of the MS community and the cutting-edge innovation driving our field forward. I left with new ideas, renewed energy, and a deep appreciation for the resilience and impact of mass spectrometry—from space exploration to proteome mapping, it truly is a remarkable analytical technique.