Fluorimetric Derivatization-Based HPLC-FL Method for the Prototype Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Selexipag in Human Plasma


Ceylan B., Çayci M., Önal C., ÖNAL A.

Methods and Objects of Chemical Analysis, vol.20, no.2, pp.117-122, 2025 (ESCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.17721/moca.2025.117-122
  • Journal Name: Methods and Objects of Chemical Analysis
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.117-122
  • Keywords: HPLC-FL, NBD-Cl, pharmacokinetics, pre-column derivatization, selexipag
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

A simple and cost-effective HPLC-FL method has been developed for measuring selexipag in human plasma, showcasing its suitability for pharmacokinetic research. Selexipag was precolumn derivatized with 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-Cl) and the fluorescent derivative was separated on a C18 (150 mm × 4.6 mm × 2.6 μm) analytical column at 30 ºC using a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile – 0.1% o-phosphoric acid in water (70:30, v/v) by isocratic elution with flow rate of 1.0 mL min-1. The method was based on measuring the derivative using fluorescence detection (λex = 380 nm, λem = 420 nm). The retention time of selexipag is 6.40 ± 0.01 min. This currently developed method was validated according to EMA criteria by evaluating the specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. The method was determined to be linear in a concentration range of 0.01-20 ng mL-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9998. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.003 and 0.01 ng mL-1, respectively. Intraday and interday RSD values were less than 1.75%. The plasma concentration-time profile and pharmacokinetic parameters such as AUC0–t, AUC0–∞, Cmax, tmax, t1/2, were calculated according to the assays. The presented method can be effectively used for bioequivalence and bioavailability investigations, as well as for routine analysis of the drug in plasma.