Speaker: Russell Grant, Labcorp

Topic: From Vein to Cloud; Automating the LC-MS/MS Bioanalytical Process

Date: Monday, November 2, 2026

Time: 6:15 pm Dinner, 7:15 pm Presentation

Location: Shimadzu Scientific Instrument, Inc. Training Center 7100 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 (Directions)

Dinner: Please RSVP to Mamie Lih (mamielih@gmail.com) by Friday, October 30 if you will be attending dinner.

Abstract: This presentation will chart the journey from automatically reading a patient specimen script through to data release from cloud-based data reduction and reporting, using the patient barcode to retain traceability throughout. Key aspects of the presentation will center on automated preparation, employing smart application of aspiration/dispensing cycles (clot removal), gravimetrically derived TADM pressure monitoring (error detection), randomization of QC positioning (plate specific “key”) with resequencing (Cals/QC’s re-ordered in queue) for high throughput analysis (no keyboard typing and >2000 samples/system/day). Complexities of high throughput LC-MS/MS will be detailed and the implementation of real-time automated cloud-based data reduction with system shutdown for calibrators/QC accuracy errors, 95% data reduction without human interaction (autoverification with “review only if ordered”), automated sequence list building for re-extraction with dilution and/or reinjection for carry-over/LC channel failure. The presentation will close with our experience co-developing and testing a fully integrated sample tube to LIMS result platform (Roche Cobas i 601) using automated immunoaffinity preparation with high throughput LC-MS/MS analysis (100 sample/hour). Key features include complete hands-free operation (except tube decapping), random access analysis (all available tests in any order) and 28 day continual operation between assay calibration.

Speaker: Kaveh Jorabchi, Georgetown University

Topic: Plasma-based ion sources for element-guided detection and standard-free quantitation of compounds

Date: Monday, October 19, 2026

Time: 6:15 pm Dinner, 7:15 pm Presentation

Location: Shimadzu Scientific Instrument, Inc. Training Center 7100 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 (Directions)

Dinner: Please RSVP to Mamie Lih (mamielih@gmail.com) by Friday, October 16 if you will be attending dinner.

Abstract: Nontargeted methods have become indispensable for characterizing bio- and environmental transformations of compounds. However, quantitation remains challenging because ionization efficiency is dependent on molecular structure, and authentic standards may not be available in many cases. Here, we present new developments in plasma-based ion sources that offer elemental detection on molecular MS platforms, rendering heteroatoms in molecules intrinsic nontargeted detection and quantitation tags. We will discuss technology development as well as biomedical and environmental applications of detecting F, Cl, S, and P, which are prevalent heteroatoms in pharmaceuticals and environmental contaminants.

Speaker: Eric Fischer, Harvard Medical School

Topic: Systematic discovery of Molecular Glue Degraders from scalable platforms to therapies

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

Time: 6:00 pm Dinner and Vendor Night, 7:15 pm Presentation

Location: Shimadzu Scientific Instrument, Inc. Training Center 7100 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 (Directions)

Dinner: Please RSVP to Mamie Lih (mamielih@gmail.com) by Friday, September 18 if you will be attending the dinner.

Abstract: In recent years, the co-opting of ubiquitin ligases by small molecules for the targeted protein degradation of disease-causing proteins has emerged as a powerful pharmacologic modality. While the discovery of PROTACs has become a mainstay of drug discovery, discovery of novel molecular glue degraders particularly beyond CRBN modulators remains a major challenge for the field. I will present recent work on understanding the principles that govern molecular glue interactions, updates on our discovery platforms and recent examples of success to target novel and previously undruggable neo-substrates and to expand the repertoire of ligases enabled for molecular glues. I will specifically discuss our advances in high-throughput structural biology to rapidly enable discovery programs and enable fine tuning of machine learning models to prioritize hits.