Identification of leachables observed in the size exclusion chromatograms of a low concentration product stored in prefilled syringes

Non-Volatile Component and Antioxidant Activity: A Comparative Analysis between Litsea cubeba Branches and Leaves

Litsea cubeba, which is found widely distributed across the Asian region, functions as both an economic tree and a medicinal plant with a rich historical background. Previous investigations into its chemical composition and biological activity have predominantly centered on volatile components, leaving the study of non-volatile components relatively unexplored. In this study, we employed UPLC-HRMS technology to analyze the non-volatile components of L. cubeba branches and leaves, which successfully resulted in identifying 72 constituents. Comparative analysis between branches and leaves unveiled alkaloids, organic acids, and flavonoids as the major components. However, noteworthy differences in the distribution of these components between branches and leaves were observed, with only eight shared constituents, indicating substantial chemical variations in different parts of L. cubeba. Particularly, 24 compounds were identified for the first time from this plant. The assessment of antioxidant activity using four methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC) demonstrated remarkable antioxidant capabilities in both branches and leaves, with slightly higher efficacy observed in branches. This suggests that L. cubeba may act as a potential natural antioxidant with applications in health and therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of L. cubeba provides a scientific foundation for its development and utilization in medicine and health products, offering promising avenues for the rational exploitation of L. cubeba resources in the future.

Identification of nonvolatile organic compounds (NVOCs) in biopharmaceuticals through non-target analysis and quantification using complexation-precipitation extraction

Single-use systems in biopharmaceutical manufacturing can potentially release chemical constituents (leachables) into drug products. Prior to conducting toxicological risk assessments, it is crucial to establish the qualitative and quantitative methods for these leachables. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive screening and structure elucidation of 23 leachables (nonvolatile organic compounds, NVOCs) in two antibody drugs using multiple (self-built and public) databases and mass spectral simulation. We identified 7 compounds that have not been previously reported in medical or medicinal extractables and leachables. The confidence levels for identified compounds were classified based on analytical standards, literature references, and fragment assignments. Most of the identified leachables were found to be plasticizers, antioxidants, slip agents or polymer degradants. Polysorbate (namely Tween) is commonly used as an excipient for protein stabilization in biopharmaceutical formulations, but its ionization in liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry can interfere with compound quantification. To address this, we employed a complexation-precipitation extraction method to reduce polysorbate content and quantify the analytes. The developed quantitative method for target NVOCs demonstrated high sensitivity (limit of quantification: 20 or 50 μg/L), accuracy (recoveries: 77.2 to 109.5 %) and precision (RSD ≤ 8.2 %). Overall, this established method will facilitate the evaluation of NVOC safety in drug products.

Chemical Characterization and Non-targeted Analysis of Medical Device Extracts: A Review of Current Approaches, Gaps, and Emerging Practices

The developers of medical devices evaluate the biocompatibility of their device prior to FDA's review and subsequent introduction to the market. Chemical characterization, described in ISO 10993-18:2020, can generate information for toxicological risk assessment and is an alternative approach for addressing some biocompatibility end points (e.g., systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity) that can reduce the time and cost of testing and the need for animal testing. Additionally, chemical characterization can be used to determine whether modifications to the materials and manufacturing processes alter the chemistry of a patient-contacting device to an extent that could impact device safety. Extractables testing is one approach to chemical characterization that employs combinations of non-targeted analysis, non-targeted screening, and/or targeted analysis to establish the identities and quantities of the various chemical constituents that can be released from a device. Due to the difficulty in obtaining a priori information on all the constituents in finished devices, information generation strategies in the form of analytical chemistry testing are often used. Identified and quantified extractables are then assessed using toxicological risk assessment approaches to determine if reported quantities are sufficiently low to overcome the need for further chemical analysis, biological evaluation of select end points, or risk control. For extractables studies to be useful as a screening tool, comprehensive and reliable non-targeted methods are needed. Although non-targeted methods have been adopted by many laboratories, they are laboratory-specific and require expensive analytical instruments and advanced technical expertise to perform. In this Perspective, we describe the elements of extractables studies and provide an overview of the current practices, identified gaps, and emerging practices that may be adopted on a wider scale in the future. This Perspective is outlined according to the steps of an extractables study: information gathering, extraction, extract sample processing, system selection, qualification, quantification, and identification.

The role of mass spectrometry and related techniques in the analysis of extractable and leachable chemicals

In addition to degradation products, impurities, and exogenous contaminants, industries such as pharmaceutical, food, and others must concern themselves with leachables. These chemicals can derive from containers and closures or migrate from labels or secondary containers and packaging to make their way into products. Identification and quantification of extractables (potential leachables) and leachables, typically trace level analytes, is a regulatory expectation intended to ensure consumer safety and product fidelity. Mass spectrometry and related techniques have played a significant role in the analysis of extractables and leachables (E&L). This review provides an overview of how mass spectrometry is used for E&L studies, primarily in the context of the pharmaceutical industry. This review includes work flows, examples of how identification and quantification is done, and the importance of orthogonal data from several different detectors. E&L analyses are driven by the need for consumer safety. These studies are expected to expand in existing areas (e.g., food, textiles, toys, etc.) and into new, currently unregulated product areas. Thus, this topic is of interest to audiences beyond just the pharmaceutical and health care industries. Finally, the potential of universal detector approaches used in other areas is suggested as an opportunity to drive E&L research progress in this arguably understudied, under-published realm.

Identification of an Adduct Impurity of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and a Leachable in an Ophthalmic Drug Product Using LC-QTOF

Impurity investigations are important in pharmaceutical development to ensure drug purity and safety for the patient. The impurities typically found in drug products are degradants or reaction products of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or leachable compounds from the container closure system. However, secondary reactions may also occur between API degradants, excipient impurities, residual solvents, and leachables to form adduct impurities. We hereby report an adduct-forming interaction of API (moxifloxacin) with a leachable compound (ethylene glycol monoformate) in moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution. The leachable compound originated from a low-density polyethylene bottle used in the packaging of drug products. The adduct impurity was tentatively identified as 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-7-(1-(2-(formyloxy)ethyl) octahydro-6H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-6-yl)-8-methoxy-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (C₂₄H₂₈FN₃O₆, MW = 473.19621) using accurate mass LC-QTOF analysis. The mass accuracy error between the theoretical mass and the experimental mass of an impurity was found to be 0.2 ppm. An MS/MS analysis was utilized to provide mass spectrometry fragments to support verification of the proposed structure.

Investigation of Drug-Packaging Interactions with Mass Spectroscopy Detectors: A Meta-Synthesis of the Literature

Background

The production of hospital-compounded medicines with a longer shelf life raises questions about drug-packaging interactions, especially desorption events involving extractables and leachables (E/L). A meta-synthesis of the literature was performed to describe which mass spectrometer is suitable for identifying and quantifying E/L.

Methods

A meta-synthesis of studies focused on the identification or quantification of E/L published between January 1997 and December 2017 was performed. Inclusion criteria were E/L studies dealing with pharmaceutical products, in which mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to liquid chromatography (LC) or gas chromatography (GC) was used. The full-text articles had to be available and written in English. Articles about food packaging, environmental contamination, counterfeit compounds, pharmacokinetics, or process-related impurity studies were excluded. Two researchers independently assessed the papers according to a score based on a seven-item questionnaire.

Results

In total, 32 papers matched our criteria and were included in the meta-synthesis. For qualitative analysis with LC, quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF; n=4) and ion trap (n=4) mass detectors were used the most; and with GC, single quadrupole (n=8). For quantification studies with LC, QTOF (n=3) and triple quadrupole (n=2) were used the most; and with GC, single quadrupole (n=7).

Conclusions

For simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of E/L with LC, QTOF or Orbitrap is a suitable detector. For quantitative analysis with LC only, triple quadrupole is suitable. For qualitative and quantitative analysis with GC, single quadrupole can be used.

Toxicity assessment of the extractables from multi-layer coextrusion poly ethylene bags exposed to pH=5 solution containing 4% benzyl alcohol and 0.1 M sodium acetate

A non-target analysis was developed for the analysis of extractables from multi-layer coextrusion bags exposed to 4% benzyl alcohol solution and 0.1 M sodium acetate at pH = 5 for defined periods (15 day, 45 day and 90 day) according to manufacturer instructions based on the ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS). In order to confirm the extractables, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to indicate the differences among samples of different periods. Then, the extractables were identified based on searching the self-built library or online searching. The total content of extractables of 90 day samples was 589.78 μg/L, and the content was in the range of acceptable levels for pharmaceutical manufacturers. The risk assessment of the extractables were evaluated by Toxtree and T.E.S.T. software to avoid the animals bioexperiment.