

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) present unique analytical challenges due to their structural heterogeneity and variable drug loading. One of the more unique and critical goals is accurately determining the drug‑to‑antibody ratio (DAR) because it directly influences efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety. Traditional DAR measurement techniques, such as UV‑based methods or hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), often lack the resolution needed to fully characterize complex ADC species.
This application note shows how integrating size‑exclusion chromatography (SEC) with native mass spectrometry overcomes these limitations by enabling simultaneous assessment of glycoforms, aggregates, and drug‑loading distributions under native, label‑free conditions.
By illustrating clear drug‑distribution patterns and precise DAR values for a real‑world ADC, the app note demonstrates how SEC‑native MS provides a robust, efficient approach for comprehensive ADC characterization and faster, more reliable decision‑making in biotherapeutic development.

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