ESAC 2026: Executive Seminars in Analytical Chemistry
We are pleased to announce that the 25th Annual Executive Seminars in Analytical Chemistry (ESAC), will take place on May 7th at the Scandic Copenhagen, and feature a keynote by Max E. Kraner, Head of Department, MS Characterization, Novo Nordisk “From Invisible Impurities to Actionable Insight.”(read bio & keynote synopsis here)
This unique industry event is an ideal opportunity to learn about the latest developments in analytical instruments from experts at several of the most progressive companies in the industry – and to hear from leading scientific researchers from all fields of analytical chemistry as they present their experiences, methods, and results.
ESAC 2026 will feature three parallel sessions focusing on distinct areas of analytical chemistry including Life Science/Biotech, Pharmaceutical and Applied Sciences.
Speakers include:
- Sarah Jørgensen, Research Scientist, Novo Nordisk
- Daniel Malheiro, PhD Researcher, CMBio
- Ricardo Faria, Explorative Biochemical Analysis, Novonesis
- Per Larsson-Edefors, Senior Research Engineer, Chalmers University of Technology
- Click to read about all the speakers in the latest program here.
Keynote speaker
From Invisible Impurities to Actionable Insight: Host Cell Protein Identification by LC–MS in Biopharmaceuticals
- Max Kraner PhD, MBA, Head of Department MS Characterization at Novo Nordisk
- Head of Department MS Characterisation in Drug Product Research at Novo Nordisk, with expertise in mass spectrometry–based bioanalytics and peptide and protein characterization. He and his great team operate at the interface of advanced LC–MS analytics, drug product research, and digital capability building across research and development. His experience spans from in depth characterisation of proteins to the implementation of robust analytical workflows in regulated environments. He is passionate about positioning mass spectrometry not only as an analytical tool, but as a strategic enabler of fast and high-quality decision-making in biopharmaceutical R&D.
Host cell proteins (HCPs) remain one of the most complex and underestimated impurity classes in biopharmaceutical development. While often present at trace levels, their potential impact on product stability, efficacy, and immunogenicity makes their reliable detection and identification a critical challenge. This becomes particularly important as drug modalities, expression systems, and manufacturing processes evolve.
In this keynote, Max Kraner will discuss how advanced LC–MS–based strategies identify HCPs across drug product development. Drawing on real-world experience from large-molecule drug development, the talk will explore the transition from traditional global HCP assays, like ELISA, toward hybrid and MS-driven approaches, including peptide-level quantification and activity-based enrichment and subsequent identification. The presentation will highlight practical considerations for implementing MS-based HCP workflows in
biopharmaceutical environments, discuss current limitations and emerging opportunities. He will outline how mass spectrometry can move from a troubleshooting tool to a strategic guide for process development in
biopharmaceutical R&D.
Mixer & Prize Drawing
We will wrap up the day with a wine tasting & mixer from 15:30 to 17:30 – which is included in the ticket price. The day will conclude with a drawing for a brand new iPad.
Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, cutting-edge research, and networking opportunities with industry peers. Forward the invitation to your colleagues and friends.
Registration
Registration Fees:
- Standard: DKK 600 (ex. VAT)
- Student: DKK 200 (ex. VAT)
- PhD Student with poster presentation: DKK 0 (Please contact [email protected] directly for more information)
For event sponsor participants only:
- Partner or Guest Vendor Company Participant: DKK 1200 (ex. VAT)
Sponsors
- Agilent Technologies
- Bruker
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Waters
Guest Vendors
- Shimadzu
- Peak Scientific
