Development and validation of a rapid 96-well format based liquid–liquid extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis method for ondansetron in human plasma

An LC-ESI-MS/MS method for determination of ondansetron in low-volume plasma and cerebrospinal fluid: Method development, validation, and clinical application

Ondansetron is used in clinical settings as an antiemetic drug. Although the animal studies showed its potential effectiveness also in treating neuropathic pain, the results from humans are inconclusive. The lack of efficacy of ondansetron in a subset of patients might be due to the overexpression of P-glycoprotein, which could result in low concentrations of ondansetron in the central nervous system (CNS). A surrogate of the CNS exposure might be drug concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), especially in humans, as assessing the drug disposition directly in the patient's brain would be challenging. The study aimed to develop a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to determine concentrations of ondansetron in human K3EDTA plasma and CSF. Ondansetron was extracted from biological matrices by liquid-liquid extraction. The quantification was performed on a Sciex QTRAP 6500+ mass spectrometer with labeled ondansetron as an internal standard. The calibration range was 0.25-350 ng/mL in plasma and 0.025-100 ng/mL in CSF; for both matrices, 25 µL of samples was required for the assays. The method was validated according to the FDA and EMA guidelines and showed acceptable results. A pilot study confirmed its suitability for clinical samples: after 4-16 mg of intravenous ondansetron, the determined concentrations in plasma were 1.22-235.90 ng/mL, while in CSF - 0.018-11.93 ng/mL. In conclusion, the developed method fulfilled all validation requirements and can be applied to pharmacokinetic studies assessing the CNS ondansetron exposure in humans. The method's advantages, such as a low volume of matrix and a wide calibration range, support its use in a study in which rich sampling and various drug doses are expected.

Application of the HPLC Method in Parenteral Nutrition Assessment: Stability Studies of Ondansetron

Ondansetron (OND) is a serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist that exhibits antiemetic activity. From the clinical point of view, vomiting and nausea prevention is an important task. Anticancer treatment and recovery impact the patient’s overall state by affecting appetite, well-being, and physical activity, and consequently, nutrition quality. Depending on the patient’s indication and condition, parenteral nutrition is administered to meet full nutritional requirements. In addition, antiemetic drugs can be added to the parenteral nutrition (PN) admixture to treat chemo- or radio-therapy-induced nausea and vomiting. However, adding any medication to the PN admixture can result in the instability of the composition in the overall admixture. This study aimed to develop the HPLC method of determination of OND in Lipoflex special, one of the most popular, ready-to-use PN admixtures. The proposed HPLC method and the sample preparation procedure were suitable for analyzing OND in PN admixture stored under various conditions, such as exposure to sunlight and temperature. It was found that the decomposition of OND during the seven-day storage did not exceed 5% and did not depend on external factors. Based on the conducted research, it is recommended to add OND to Lipoflex special, and it is possible to store such an admixture for seven days.

Simultaneous quantification of ondansetron and tariquidar in rat and human plasma using a high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet method

Ondansetron, a widely used antiemetic agent, is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate and therefore expression of P-gp at the blood-brain barrier limits its distribution to the central nervous system (CNS), which was observed to be reversed by coadministration with P-gp inhibitors. Tariquidar is a potent and selective third-generation P-gp inhibitor, and coadministration with ondansetron has shown improved ondansetron distribution to the CNS. There is currently no reported bioanalytical method for simultaneously quantifying ondansetron with a third-generation P-gp inhibitor. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a method for ondansetron and tariquidar in rat and human plasma samples. A full validation was performed for both ondansetron and tariquidar, and sample stability was tested under various storage conditions. To demonstrate its utility, the method was applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study following coadministration of ondansetron and tariquidar in rats. The presented method will be valuable in pharmacokinetic studies of ondansetron and tariquidar in which simultaneous determination may be required. In addition, this is the first report of a bioanalytical method validated for quantification of tariquidar in plasma samples.

Quantification of ondansetron, granisetron and tropisetron in goat plasma using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-solid phase extraction coupled with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry

An assay method to quantify ondansetron (OND), granisetron (GRA) and tropisetron (TRO) in goat plasma has been successfully developed and validated. This method procedure for the analysis of OND, GRA and TRO was involved of extracting samples with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) solid phase extraction (SPE) and determination by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectroscopy. An SPE method for the simultaneous extraction of OND, GRA and TRO with high efficiency and selectivity was developed. Prior to HPLC-MS/MS analysis, most of the sources of interference present in the supernatant after protein precipitation of plasma proteins was efficiently removed from the samples by the HILIC SPE treatment. For the quantification of OND, GRA and TRO in the samples, tandem mass spectrometry operating in positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring was used. The calibration curve was performed in the range of 0.2-20 ng/mL for the target OND, GRA and TRO in goat plasma samples. The precision of the intra- and inter-day assay for OND, GRA and TRO were 1.84-6.23% and 3.89-5.31%, 2.63-6.29% and 3.76-5.31%, 1.99-5.67% and 2.64-4.70%, respectively. The accuracy of the intra- and inter-day assay for OND, GRA and TRO were 89.15-97.39% and 89.46-95.17%, 91.08-100.82% and 91.24-99.47%, 92.30-100.74% and 94.21-97.90%, respectively. For the determination of OND, GRA and TRO in plasma samples, no significant matrix effects were observed. The mean absolute recoveries were 103-150%, 115-121%, and 98-141% for OND, GRA and TRO, respectively. Furthermore, the mean process efficiency values of silica SPE were 98-135%, 92-124%, and 72-109% for OND, GRA and TRO, respectively.

Determination of voriconazole and co-administered drugs in plasma of pediatric cancer patients using UPLC-MS/MS: A key step towards personalized therapeutics

Untreated invasive aspergillosis results in high mortality rate in pediatric cancer patients. Voriconazole (VORI), the first line of treatment, requires strict dose monitoring because of its narrow therapeutic index and individual variation in plasma concentration levels. Commonly co-administered drugs; either Esomeprazole (ESO) or Ondansetron (OND) have reported drug-drug interaction with VORI that should adversely alter therapeutic outcomes of the latter. Although VORI, ESO and OND are co-administered to pediatric cancer patients, the combined effect of ESO and OND on the plasma concentration levels of VORI has not been fully explored. In this study, an accurate, reliable and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of VORI, ESO, and OND in ultra-low sample volumes (25 μL) of plasma of pediatric cancer patients. Based on the physicochemical properties of the studied drugs and internal standard, liquid-liquid extraction was successfully adopted with methyl t-butyl ether. Consistent and reproducible recovery of the three drugs and the internal standard were calculated using plasma and matrix matched samples (RE% > 72.97%, RSD < 8.29%). Chromatographic separation was carried out using UPLC with C18 column and a mobile phase of acetonitrile:water:methanol (70:25:5 V/V/V) at 0.3 mL/min. Mass spectrometric determination at positive electrospray ionization in the MRM mode was employed. The analysis was achieved within 4 min over a linear concentration range of 1.00-200.00 ng/mL for the three drugs. The assay validity was assessed as per the Food and Drug Administration guidelines for bioanalytical method validation, and satisfactory results were obtained. The accuracy and precision were within the acceptable limits for the three drugs in both quality control and incurred plasma samples. Matrix effect and process efficiency were investigated in neat solvent, post-extraction matrix, and plasma. Correlation of the plasma concentration levels of the three drugs revealed differences from the reported drug-drug interactions. This confirmed the need for simultaneous determination of VORI and co-administered drugs in order to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. To achieve this, analysis results of this study, genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 and clinical data will be used to establish one model incorporating all possible factors that might lead to variation in therapeutic outcomes.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability study of two ondansetron oral soluble film formulations in fasting healthy male Chinese volunteers

BACKGROUND

Ondansetron oral soluble film is designed to be applied on top of the tongue without requiring water to aid dissolution or swallowing, which is especially fitting for nausea and vomiting patients.

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to compare the bioavailability of two 8 mg ondansetron oral soluble film formulations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This randomized, open-label, two-period crossover study was performed under fasting conditions. A total of ten eligible subjects were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive a single 8 mg dose of the test and reference ondansetron oral soluble film formulations, followed by a 1-week washout period and administration of the alternate formulation. The concentrations of ondansetron were assayed using an liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer/mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) method. For analysis of pharmacokinetic properties, including the peak concentration of T max (C max), AUC from time 0 (baseline) to t hours (AUC0- t ), and AUC from baseline to infinity (AUC0-∞), blood samples were obtained at intervals over the 24-hour period after studying drug administration. Tolerability was assessed by monitoring vital signs and laboratory tests (hematology, blood biochemistry, hepatic function, and urinalysis) and by questioning subjects about adverse events.

RESULTS

The mean (standard derivation [SD]) relative bioavailability was 96.5 (23.7%). The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the log-transformed ratios of C max and AUC0- t were 84.71%-103.28% and 91.38%-108.60%, respectively (P>0.05). Similar results were found for the data without log-transformation. No statistically significant differences were found based on analysis of variance. No significant adverse events occurred or were reported during the study.

CONCLUSION

As the 90% CIs based on the differences between the test and reference formulation were within the 80%-125% range for both the C max and AUC0- t , we concluded that the two formulations were bioequivalent with respect to the rate or the extent of absorption. Both formulations are well tolerated.

MARS: bringing the automation of small-molecule bioanalytical sample preparations to a new frontier

Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in automating small-molecule bioanalytical sample preparations specifically using the Hamilton MicroLab® STAR liquid-handling platform. In the most extensive work reported thus far, multiple small-molecule sample preparation assay types (protein precipitation extraction, SPE and liquid–liquid extraction) have been integrated into a suite that is composed of graphical user interfaces and Hamilton scripts. Using that suite, bioanalytical scientists have been able to automate various sample preparation methods to a great extent. However, there are still areas that could benefit from further automation, specifically, the full integration of analytical standard and QC sample preparation with study sample extraction in one continuous run, real-time 2D barcode scanning on the Hamilton deck and direct Laboratory Information Management System database connectivity. Results: We developed a new small-molecule sample-preparation automation system that improves in all of the aforementioned areas. Conclusion: The improved system presented herein further streamlines the bioanalytical workflow, simplifies batch run design, reduces analyst intervention and eliminates sample-handling error.

Automated sample preparation for regulated bioanalysis: an integrated multiple assay extraction platform using robotic liquid handling

Background: A novel approach for regulated bioanalytical sample preparation has been developed to combine multiple types of extraction techniques into one integrated and automated sample-preparation suite that pairs a graphical user interface with the Hamilton Microlab® STAR robotic liquid handler. Results: The multi-assay sample-preparation suite is composed of three bioanalytical extraction techniques: protein precipitation, solid-phase extraction and liquid–liquid extraction. Validation data provided highly reproducible and robust results for each respective automated extraction technique. Conclusion: The user-friendly graphical user interface and modular method design provide a flexible and versatile approach for routine bioanalytical sample-preparation and is the first fully integrated multiple assay sample-preparation suite for regulated bioanalysis.

Direct injection liquid chromatography/positive ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometric quantification of methotrexate, folinic acid, folic acid and ondansetron in human serum

A rapid liquid chromatography/positive ion electrospray mass spectrometric assay (LC/ESI-MS) was developed for the quantitation of methotrexate, folinic acid, folic acid and ondansetron in human serum. The assay was based on 100microL serum samples, following acetonitrile precipitation of proteins and filtration that enabled direct injection into the LC/MS system. All analytes and the internal standard, alfuzosin, were separated by using a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C(8) analytical column (2.1mmx150.0mm i.d., particle size 3.5microm) with isocratic elution. The mobile phase was composed of a mixture of water/acetonitrile containing 0.1%, v/v formic acid (75:25, v/v), pumped at a flow rate of 0.15mLmin(-1). Quantitation of the analytes was performed with selected ion monitoring (SIM) in positive ionization mode using electrospray ionization interface. The assay was found to be linear in the concentration range of 0.01-25.00microgmL(-1) for methotrexate and 0.01-5.00microgmL(-1) for folic acid, folinic acid and ondansetron. Intermediate precision was found to be less than 4.2% over the tested concentration ranges. A run time of less than 7.0min for each sample made it possible to analyze a large number of human serum samples per day. The method can be used to quantify methotrexate, folinic acid, folic acid and ondansetron in human serum covering a variety of clinical studies and it was applied to the analysis of human serum samples obtained from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Bioequivalence assay between orally disintegrating and conventional tablet formulations in healthy volunteers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate bioequivalence of two commercial 8 mg tablet formulations of ondansetrona available in the Brazilian market. In this study, a simple, rapid, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method is described for the determination of ondansetron in human plasma samples. The method was validated over a concentration range of 2.5-60 ng/ml and used in a bioequivalence trial between orally disintegrating and conventional tablet ondansetron formulations, to assess its usefulness in this kind of study. Vonau flash (Biolab Sanus Farmacêutica, Brazil, as test formulations) and Zofran (GlaxoSmithKline, Brazil, as reference formulation) were evaluated following a single 8 mg dose to 23 healthy volunteers of both genders. The dose was administered after an overnight fast according to a two-way crossover design. Bioequivalence between the products was determinated by calculating 90% confidence interval (90% CI) for the ratio of C(max), AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-infinity) values for the test and reference products, using logarithmically transformed data. The 90% confidence interval for the ratio of C(max) (87.5-103.8%), AUC(0-t) (89.3-107.2%) and AUC(0-infinity) (89.7-106.0%) values for the test and reference products is within the 80-125% interval, proposed by FDA, EMEA and ANVISA. It was concluded that two ondansetron formulations are bioequivalent in their rate and extent of absorption.

Recent advances in high-throughput quantitative bioanalysis by LC–MS/MS

Liquid chromatography linked to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has played an important role in pharmacokinetics and metabolism studies at various drug development stages since its introduction to the pharmaceutical industry. This article reviews the most recent advances in sample preparation, separation, and the mass spectrometric aspects of high-throughput quantitative bioanalysis of drug and metabolites in biological matrices. Newly introduced techniques such as ultra-performance liquid chromatography with small particles (sub-2 microm) and monolithic chromatography offer improvements in speed, resolution and sensitivity compared to conventional chromatographic techniques. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) on silica columns with low aqueous/high organic mobile phase is emerging as a valuable supplement to the reversed-phase LC-MS/MS. Sample preparation formatted to 96-well plates has allowed for semi-automation of off-line sample preparation techniques, significantly impacting throughput. On-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) utilizing column-switching techniques is rapidly gaining acceptance in bioanalytical applications to reduce both time and labor required to produce bioanalytical results. Extraction sorbents for on-line SPE extend to an array of media including large particles for turbulent flow chromatography, restricted access materials (RAM), monolithic materials, and disposable cartridges utilizing traditional packings such as those used in Spark Holland systems. In the end, this paper also discusses recent studies of matrix effect in LC-MS/MS analysis and how to reduce/eliminate matrix effect in method development and validation.

Recent developments in extraction procedures relevant to analytical toxicology

Sample preparation is an important step in the development of an analytical method but is often regarded as time-consuming, laborious work. Optimum sample preparation leads to enhanced selectivity and sensitivity, however, and reduces amounts of interfering matrix compounds, resulting in less signal suppression or enhancement. Recent developments in extraction techniques that could be of interest in clinical and forensic toxicology, for example liquid-liquid, solid-phase, and headspace extraction, are summarized in this review. The advantages and disadvantages of several extraction techniques are discussed, to enable the reader to choose an appropriate method of extraction for his or her application. Attention is paid to current trends in analytical toxicology, for example miniaturization, high throughput, and automation.

Simultaneous determination of losartan, EXP-3174 and hydrochlorothiazide in plasma via fully automated 96-well-format-based solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography–negative electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

An automated, sensitive and high-throughput liquid chromatographic/electrospray tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed for the simultaneous determination of losartan (LOS), its major circulating metabolite EXP-3174 and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in human plasma. LOS and HCTZ coexist in the same drug formulation, and this is the first method that enables the simultaneous determination of both drugs along with the active metabolite of LOS. Since these drugs have different physicochemical properties, the employment of a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) protocol was precluded. A fully automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) protocol, based on 96-well format plates, was used to isolate these compounds and furosemide (internal standard, IS) from plasma. Washing and elution steps were amended accordingly in order to minimize any matrix effect from components of the plasma without reducing the elution of the molecules of interest. The compounds were eluted from a C18 column and detected with an API 3000 triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer using negative electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The assay was linear over the range 1.00-400 ng/mL for LOS and EXP-3174 and 0.500-200 ng/mL for HCTZ, respectively, when 200 microl of plasma was used in the extraction. The overall intra- and interassay variations were within acceptance limits. The analysis time for each sample was 4 min, and more than 300 samples could be analyzed in one day by running the system overnight. The assay was simple, highly sensitive, selective, precise, fast, and it enables the reliable determination of LOS, EXP-3174 and HCTZ in pharmacokinetic or bioequivalence studies after per os administration of a single tablet containing both drugs.