Preprint from Northwestern University Highlights Complementary Proteomic Analysis of Interleukin-6 Using Next-Generation Protein Sequencing™ and Mass Spectrometry

Rhea-AI Summary

Quantum-Si (Nasdaq: QSI) announces a new preprint from Northwestern University researchers demonstrating the combined use of their Next-Generation Protein Sequencing™ (NGPS™) technology and Individual Ion Mass Spectrometry (I2MS) for analyzing interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key immune regulator and therapeutic target.

The study reveals that NGPS provided single amino acid resolution for IL-6 peptide fragments critical to receptor binding and function, while I2MS enabled intact proteoform detection and localized modifications, including glycosylation. The combination of these technologies offers comprehensive coverage of IL-6's structural and functional diversity, potentially advancing therapeutic research in complex diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Positive

• Integration of NGPS technology with established mass spectrometry methods demonstrates product capability
• Successful application in analyzing IL-6, a significant therapeutic target
• Technology shows ability to resolve regions with low sequence coverage by traditional methods

Negative

• None.

Insights

Proteomics Research Analyst

This Northwestern University preprint represents a significant validation milestone for Quantum-Si's Next-Generation Protein Sequencing technology, potentially accelerating its commercial adoption in the $21 billion proteomics market. The successful integration of NGPS with I2MS for analyzing IL-6, a critical therapeutic target in numerous diseases, demonstrates the technology's practical utility in high-value research applications.

The complementary capabilities highlighted in the study - particularly NGPS's ability to resolve regions with low mass spectrometry coverage - position QSI's platform as an essential companion technology rather than just an alternative to existing methods. This complementary positioning could accelerate market penetration in academic and pharmaceutical research settings, where mass spectrometry is already established.

Key commercial implications include:

• Validation from a top-tier academic institution enhances credibility for potential customers in both academic and pharmaceutical sectors
• Demonstrated utility in analyzing therapeutic targets could drive adoption in drug development workflows
• Complementary positioning with mass spectrometry suggests potential for broader market acceptance rather than direct competition
• Application in studying proteoforms opens opportunities in precision medicine and biomarker discovery markets

The focus on IL-6, a protein central to various diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders, strategically positions NGPS technology in high-value therapeutic research areas. This could accelerate adoption in pharmaceutical R&D, potentially leading to instrument placement and consumables revenue growth in the near term.

BRANFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Quantum-Si Incorporated (Nasdaq: QSI) (“Quantum-Si,” “QSI” or the “Company”), The Protein Sequencing Company™, announces a newly released preprint from researchers at Northwestern University, titled "Next-Generation Protein Sequencing and individual ion mass spectrometry enable complementary analysis of interleukin-6." The publication demonstrates the power of combining two cutting-edge technologies, Quantum-Si’s Next-Generation Protein Sequencing™ (NGPS™) on Platinum®, and Individual Ion Mass Spectrometry (I2MS), to achieve a detailed analysis of key regions of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6).

IL-6 is a key immune regulator and therapeutic target; however, its proteoform diversity can present significant analytical challenges. This study demonstrates how NGPS and I2MS provide complementary insights into the amino acid sequence, post-translational modifications, and proteoform variation of IL-6, paving the way for deeper understanding and potential therapeutic innovation.

"This preprint highlights the potential of merging Next-Generation Protein Sequencing with individual ion mass spectrometry,” said Neil Kelleher, Ph.D., Professor at Northwestern University and senior author of the study. “By combining these methods, we can capture a fuller picture of IL-6 proteoforms, which is critical for advancing therapeutic innovation."

Key Findings:

• NGPS provided single amino acid resolution for IL-6 peptide fragments critical to receptor binding and function, resolving regions with low sequence coverage by mass spectrometry.
• I2MS enabled intact proteoform detection and localized modifications, including glycosylation, within regions involved in IL-6 signaling.
• Together these technologies provide high sequence coverage of overlapping and distinct regions of IL-6, offering a more comprehensive view of its structural and functional diversity.

"This study underscores the immense challenge of characterizing proteoforms, which has long been a barrier to developing novel therapies,” said Jeff Hawkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quantum-Si. “By integrating Next-Generation Protein Sequencing into one of the world’s leading proteomics labs, we’re enabling new insights into IL-6, to advance therapeutic research. These findings highlight the transformative potential of combining NGPS with traditional methods to explore proteoforms with single amino acid precision in complex diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders."

To read the preprint visit: Next-Generation Protein Sequencing and individual ion mass spectrometry enable complementary analysis of interleukin-6 | Quantum-Si

About Quantum-Si Incorporated

Quantum-Si, The Protein Sequencing Company™, is focused on revolutionizing the growing field of proteomics. The Company’s Platinum® line of instruments enables Next-Gen Protein Sequencing™ that advances proteomic research, drug discovery, and diagnostics beyond what has been possible with existing proteomic tools. Learn more at quantum-si.com or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

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Source: Quantum-Si Incorporated

FAQ

What breakthrough did Quantum-Si (QSI) achieve in IL-6 protein analysis?

QSI's Next-Generation Protein Sequencing technology, combined with I2MS, successfully provided detailed analysis of IL-6's amino acid sequence, post-translational modifications, and proteoform variation, offering complementary insights not possible with single methods alone.

How does Quantum-Si's NGPS technology complement mass spectrometry in protein analysis?

NGPS provides single amino acid resolution for peptide fragments critical to receptor binding and function, while mass spectrometry enables intact proteoform detection and localization of modifications, creating a more comprehensive analysis.

What are the potential therapeutic implications of QSI's IL-6 analysis breakthrough?

The detailed analysis of IL-6 proteoforms could advance therapeutic research in complex diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders by providing better understanding of the protein's structural and functional diversity.

What specific advantages does Quantum-Si's NGPS technology offer for IL-6 analysis?

NGPS resolves regions with low sequence coverage by mass spectrometry, providing single amino acid resolution for IL-6 peptide fragments that are critical to receptor binding and function.