The Pittcon 2025 Conference and Expo took place in Boston, Massachusetts, March 1–5, 2025. This event united a global community of scientists to uncover emerging breakthroughs in analytical chemistry and applied spectroscopy. Attendees immersed themselves in specialized courses, interactive workshops, and lively discussions focused on advancing techniques in chromatography, mass spectrometry, data analysis, and more. Exhibitors revealed next-generation instruments, software solutions, and innovative methodologies poised to redefine laboratory workflows. We spoke with industry leaders on-site to discover trends and insights shaping the field. Read on for key highlights from this year’s event.
Axcend
Axcend announced its new compact, full-stack chromatography system based on the Axcend Focus LC®. It features a 40-vial / 96-well plate autosampler, an in-line process analytical technology (PAT) monitoring system, and a full spectrum diode array detector. These capabilities allow scientists to analyze samples at the point of collection, boosting productivity and sustainability while reducing solvent use.
The system integrates AutoFocus™ for automated sample injection, InFocus™ for real-time in-line monitoring, and FocusArray™ for broad-spectrum detection with high sensitivity. It works with familiar data systems (Empower, OpenLab, ChemStation, and Clarity) to avoid workflow disruptions. Axcend’s CEO, Greg Ward, notes that the system’s small footprint reduces costs, frees up lab space, and allows scientists to operate wherever and however they choose.
Shimadzu
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments announced several new products at Pittcon 2025, including three UV-Vis spectrophotometers—UV-1900i Plus, UV-2600i Plus, and UV-2700i Plus. Many labs struggle with measurements in challenging ranges, where stray light and high absorbance can compromise data quality. These instruments address that issue by minimizing stray light, delivering reliable results even for complex samples. They also operate at high speeds, ensuring faster turnaround and letting users handle more samples in less time. User-friendly features—including an intuitive interface and an assist function—take the guesswork out of complex analyses.
Another announcement centered around a new lineup of triple quadrupole mass spectrometers. Shimadzu’s LCMS-8060RX, LCMS-8050RX, and LCMS-8045RX each build on their predecessors to deliver greater sensitivity, robustness, and ease of use. The LCMS-8060RX provides exceptional UF capabilities without compromising performance, while the LCMS-8050RX offers extended sensitivity for evolving lab needs, and the LCMS-8045RX provides a cost-effective balance of ruggedness and sensitivity. Chris Gilles, LCMS Product Manager at Shimadzu, explains that heater configuration and gas utilization are key to improving instrument sensitivity, and the RX series is Shimadzu’s response to this challenge.
Horiba
Andrew Whitley, Vice President and Field Officer for HORIBA Life Science, emphasizes the company’s commitment to accelerating research and production for pharmaceutical professionals. Founded in 1953, HORIBA continues to innovate in measurement and analysis technologies for various industries and global challenges.
HORIBA introduced two new instruments at Pittcon. The Veloci™ A-TEEM BioPharma Analyzer merges the selectivity of chromatography with the advantages of optical spectroscopy. It requires no column-based separations and uses label-free intrinsic fluorescence for diverse applications, including monoclonal antibody discrimination and vaccine characterization. The PoliSpectra Rapid Raman Plate Reader (RPR) measures 96 wells in one minute with non-destructive Raman spectroscopy. This enables real-time reaction monitoring and formulation optimization.
LabVantage
LabVantage Solutions released LabVantage 8.9, the latest version of its flagship LIMS platform. This update helps laboratories reduce processing times, improve accuracy, and streamline complex workflows. Database partitioning and advanced filtering accelerate data handling, while new automation tools and an intuitive interface minimize manual effort and data entry errors.
LabVantage 8.9 also enhances compliance with features such as audit trail filtering and improved electronic laboratory notebook capabilities. The platform supports advanced stability testing and protocol version management for complex studies.
The company’s “SaaS 2.0” approach is designed to further boost efficiency and address evolving client needs. Alan Marcus, Chief Growth Officer for LabVantage, explains that “SaaS 2.0” refers to running services as software (versus traditional software as a service). According to Marcus, this involves AI agents embedded in the SaaS cloud infrastructure. He notes that this is a common new trend across industries, but the key is determining how to leverage those agents effectively.
VUV Analytics
VUV Analytics has introduced HYDRA, a new vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) detector for liquid chromatography (LC). HYDRA provides universal detection, improved spectral selectivity, and easy integration into existing lab systems. It detects nearly all compounds, removes blind spots, and features 12 chromatographic data channels for accurate identification and quantitation. HYDRA simplifies advanced chemical analysis, particularly benefiting applications such as analyzing amino acids, saccharides, and lipids. The detector debuted at Pittcon 2025, with shipments starting in Q2 2025.
