Characterizing PROTACs: Scientific Approaches to Overcome LC Analytical Barriers

Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) molecules are typically small pharmaceutical compounds composed of two functional moieties linked together to selectively degrade proteins associated with cancer or other diseases. The discovery and development of these compounds can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including—but not limited to—identifying “druggable” targets, understanding degradation activity, and managing non-specific adsorption to laboratory containers.

Join our Waters expert with a special guest speaker from AstraZeneca. 

Presenter: Sharon Tentarelli (Associate Principal Scientist, AstraZeneca)

Sharon Tentarelli has over 30 years of experience working in analytical chemistry, with a focus in mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography. Since 2001 she has been working at AstraZeneca in early-stage drug discovery, where she has supported both Oncology and Infection therapeutic areas. Her current work as an Associate Principal Scientist in Oncology Targeted Discovery includes analyses for purity confirmation and structural elucidation, support of open-access LC-MS instrumentation, script-based automation, and development of bespoke assays. She has established biomarker analyses supporting pre-clinical efficacy and safety studies, hydrolytic screening cascades supporting formulation, and intracellular concentration assays addressing biological uptake. As the department’s focus has expanded from conventional small molecules to include newer modalities such as PROTACs, her method development work has adapted accordingly.

Presenter: Kenneth D. Berthelette (Principal Scientist, Chemistry Research and Development, Waters Corporation)

Ken earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Chemistry from Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in 2010. He has been with Waters Corporation since March 2012 and has contributed to several product launches, including CORTECS columns, UPC² Torus and Trefoil columns, and the Atlantis Premier BEH Z-HILIC column. In 2021, he transitioned to supporting Chemistry Aftermarket initiatives such as Indomitable. Ken’s focus on applications and customer education has led to numerous seminars and webinars on topics including method development, modernization and transfer, and HILIC separation techniques.