A fast ultra-performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous quantification of mycophenolic acid and its phenol- and acyl-glucuronides in human plasma

Validated Simple HPLC-UV Method for Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) Monitoring in Human Plasma. Internal Standardization: Is It Necessary?

The aim of the work was to prepare a simple but reliable HPLC-UV method for the routine monitoring of mycophenolic acid (MPA). Sample preparation was based on plasma protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The isocratic separation of MPA and internal standard (IS) fenbufen was made on Supelcosil LC-CN column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) using a mobile phase: CH₃CN:H₂O:0.5M KH₂PO₄:H₃PO₄ (260:700:40:0.4, v/v). UV detection was set at 305 nm. The calibration covered the MPA concentration range: 0.1–40 µg/mL. The precision was satisfactory with RSD of 0.97–7.06% for intra-assay and of 1.92–5.15% for inter-assay. The inaccuracy was found between −5.72% and +2.96% (+15.40% at LLOQ) and between −8.82% and +5.31% (+19.00% at LLOQ) for intra- and inter-assay, respectively, fulfilling acceptance criteria. After a two-year period of successful application, the presented method has been retrospectively calibrated using the raw data disregarding the IS in the calculations. The validation and stability parameters were similar for both calculation methods. MPA concentrations were recalculated and compared in 1187 consecutive routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) trough plasma samples from mycophenolate-treated patients. A high agreement (r² = 0.9931, p < 0.0001) of the results was found. A Bland–Altman test revealed a mean bias of −0.011 μg/mL (95% CI: −0.017; −0.005) comprising −0.14% (95% Cl: −0.39; +0.11), whereas the Passing–Bablok regression was y = 0.986x + 0.014. The presented method can be recommended as an attractive analytical tool for medical (hospital) laboratories equipped with solely basic HPLC apparatus. The procedure can be further simplified by disapplying an internal standard while maintaining appropriate precision and accuracy of measurements.

Personalized Therapy for Mycophenolate: Consensus Report by the International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology

ABSTRACT

When mycophenolic acid (MPA) was originally marketed for immunosuppressive therapy, fixed doses were recommended by the manufacturer. Awareness of the potential for a more personalized dosing has led to development of methods to estimate MPA area under the curve based on the measurement of drug concentrations in only a few samples. This approach is feasible in the clinical routine and has proven successful in terms of correlation with outcome. However, the search for superior correlates has continued, and numerous studies in search of biomarkers that could better predict the perfect dosage for the individual patient have been published. As it was considered timely for an updated and comprehensive presentation of consensus on the status for personalized treatment with MPA, this report was prepared following an initiative from members of the International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT). Topics included are the criteria for analytics, methods to estimate exposure including pharmacometrics, the potential influence of pharmacogenetics, development of biomarkers, and the practical aspects of implementation of target concentration intervention. For selected topics with sufficient evidence, such as the application of limited sampling strategies for MPA area under the curve, graded recommendations on target ranges are presented. To provide a comprehensive review, this report also includes updates on the status of potential biomarkers including those which may be promising but with a low level of evidence. In view of the fact that there are very few new immunosuppressive drugs under development for the transplant field, it is likely that MPA will continue to be prescribed on a large scale in the upcoming years. Discontinuation of therapy due to adverse effects is relatively common, increasing the risk for late rejections, which may contribute to graft loss. Therefore, the continued search for innovative methods to better personalize MPA dosage is warranted.

A New CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A4*22 Cluster Influencing Tacrolimus Target Concentrations: A Population Approach

BACKGROUND

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CYP3A5 and CYP3A4 genes have been reported to be an important cause of variability in the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in renal transplant patients. The aim of this study was to merge all of the new genetic information available with tacrolimus pharmacokinetics to generate a more robust population model with data from renal transplant recipients.

METHODS

Tacrolimus exposure data from 304 renal transplant recipients were collected throughout the first year after transplantation and were simultaneously analyzed with a population pharmacokinetic approach using NONMEM^® version 7.2.

RESULTS

The tacrolimus whole-blood concentration versus time data were best described by a two-open-compartment model with inter-occasion variability assigned to plasma clearance. The following factors led to the final model, which significantly decreased the minimum objective function value (p < 0.001): a new genotype cluster variable combining the CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A4*22 SNPs defined as extensive, intermediate, and poor metabolizers; the standardization of tacrolimus whole blood concentrations to a hematocrit value of 45%; and age included as patients <63 years versus patients ≥63 years. External validation confirmed the prediction ability of the model with median bias and precision values of 1.17 ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI] -3.68 to 4.50) and 1.64 ng/mL (95% CI 0.11-5.50), respectively. Simulations showed that, for a given age and hematocrit at the same fixed dose, extensive metabolizers required the highest doses followed by intermediate metabolizers and then poor metabolizers.

CONCLUSIONS

Tacrolimus disposition in renal transplant recipients was described using a new population pharmacokinetic model that included the CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A4*22 genotype, age, and hematocrit.

Statistical tools for dose individualization of mycophenolic acid and tacrolimus co-administered during the first month after renal transplantation

AIM

To predict simultaneously the area under the concentration-time curve during one dosing interval [AUC(0,12 h)] for mycophenolic acid (MPA) and tacrolimus (TAC), when concomitantly used during the first month after transplantation, based on common blood samples.

METHODS

Data were from two different sources, real patient pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles from 65 renal transplant recipients and 9000 PK profiles simulated from previously published models on MPA or TAC in the first month after transplantation. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and Bayesian estimation using optimal samples were performed to predict MPA and TAC AUC(0,12 h) based on two concentrations.

RESULTS

The following models were retained: AUC(0,12 h) = 16.5 + 4.9 × C1.5 + 6.7 × C3.5 (r(2) = 0.82, rRMSE = 9%, with simulations and r(2) = 0.66, rRMSE = 24%, with observed data) and AUC(0,12 h) = 24.3 + 5.9 × C1.5 + 12.2 × C3.5 (r(2) = 0.94, rRMSE = 12.3%, with simulations r(2) = 0.74, rRMSE = 15%, with observed data) for MPA and TAC, respectively. In addition, bayesian estimators were developed including parameter values from final models and values of concentrations at 1.5 and 3.5 h after dose. Good agreement was found between predicted and reference AUC(0,12 h) values: r(2) = 0.90, rRMSE = 13% and r(2) = 0.97, rRMSE = 5% with simulations for MPA and TAC, respectively and r(2) = 0.75, rRMSE = 11% and r(2) = 0.83, rRMSE = 7% with observed data for MPA and TAC, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Statistical tools were developed for simultaneous MPA and TAC therapeutic drug monitoring. They can be incorporated in computer programs for patient dose individualization.

Determination of mycophenolic acid in human plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A simple, sensitive and high throughput ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed for the determination of mycophenolic acid in human plasma. The method involved simple protein precipitation of MPA along with its deuterated analog as an internal standard (IS) from 50 µL of human plasma. The chromatographic analysis was done on Acquity UPLC C18 (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 µm) column under isocratic conditions using acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium formate, pH 3.00 (75:25, v/v) as the mobile phase. A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in the positive ionization mode was used for quantitation. In-source conversion of mycophenolic glucuronide metabolite to the parent drug was selectively controlled by suitable optimization of cone voltage, cone gas flow and desolvation temperature. The method was validated over a wide concentration range of 15-15000 ng/mL. The mean extraction recovery for the analyte and IS was >95%. Matrix effect expressed as matrix factors ranged from 0.97 to 1.02. The method was successfully applied to support a bioequivalence study of 500 mg mycophenolate mofetil tablet in 72 healthy subjects.

A simultaneous d-optimal designed study for population pharmacokinetic analyses of mycophenolic Acid and tacrolimus early after renal transplantation

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) and tacrolimus (TAC) are immunosuppressive agents used in combination with corticosteroids for the prevention of acute rejection after solid organ transplantation. Their pharmacokinetics (PK) show considerable unexplained intraindividual and interindividual variability, particularly in the early period after transplantation. The main objective of the present work was to design a study based on D-optimality to describe the PK of the 2 drugs with good precision and accuracy and to explain their variability by means of patients' demographics, biochemical test results, and physiological characteristics. Pharmacokinetic profiles of MPA and TAC were obtained from 65 stable adult renal allograft recipients on a single occasion (ie, day 15 after transplantation). A sampling schedule was estimated based on the D-optimality criterion with the POPED software, using parameter values from previously published studies on MPA and TAC modeling early after transplantation. Subsequently, a population PK model describing MPA and TAC concentrations was developed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Optimal blood-sampling times for determination of MPA and TAC concentrations were estimated to be at 0 (predose) and at 0.24, 0.64, 0.98, 1.37, 2.38, and 11 hours after oral intake of mycophenolate and TAC. The PK of MPA and TAC were best described by a 2-compartment model with first-order elimination. For MPA, the absorption was best described by a transit compartment model, whereas first-order absorption with a lag time best described TAC transfer from the gastrointestinal tract. Parameters were estimated with good precision and accuracy. While hematocrit levels and CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism significantly influenced TAC clearance, the pharmaceutical formulation and MRP2 genetic polymorphism were retained as significant covariates on MPA absorption and elimination, respectively. The prospective use of the simultaneous D-optimal design approach for MPA and TAC has allowed good estimation of MPA and TAC PK parameters in the early period after transplantation characterized by a very high unexplained variability. The influence of some relevant covariates could be shown.

A high-throughput U-HPLC-MS/MS assay for the quantification of mycophenolic acid and its major metabolites mycophenolic acid glucuronide and mycophenolic acid acyl-glucuronide in human plasma and urine

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is used as an immunosuppressant after organ transplantation and for the treatment of immune diseases. There is increasing evidence that therapeutic drug monitoring and plasma concentration-guided dose adjustments are beneficial for patients to maintain immunosuppressive efficacy and to avoid toxicity. The major MPA metabolite that can be found in high concentrations in plasma is MPA glucuronide (MPAG). A metabolite usually present at lower concentrations, MPA acyl-glucuronide (AcMPAG), has been implicated in some of the adverse effects of MPA. We developed and validated an automated high-throughput ultra-high performance chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (U-HPLC-MS/MS) assay using liquid-handling robotic extraction for the quantification of MPA, MPAG, and AcMPAG in human EDTA plasma and urine. The ranges of reliable response were 0.097 (lower limit of quantitation) to 200 μg/mL for MPA and MPAG and 0.156-10 μg/mL for AcMPAG in human urine and plasma. The inter-day accuracies were 94.3-104.4%, 93.8-105.0% and 94.4-104.7% for MPA, MPAG and AcMPAG, respectively. Inter-day precisions were 0.7-7.8%, 0.9-6.9% and 1.6-8.6% for MPA, MPAG and AcMPAG. No matrix interferences, ion suppression/enhancement and carry-over were detected. The total assay run time was 2.3 min. The assay met all predefined acceptance criteria and the quantification of MPA was successfully cross-validated with an LC-MS/MS assay routinely used for clinical therapeutic drug monitoring. The assay has proven to be robust and reliable during the measurement of samples from several pharmacokinetics trials.

UPLC MS/MS method for quantification of mycophenolic acid and metabolites in human plasma: Application to pharmacokinetic study

BACKGROUND

We described the development and full validation of a rapid, high throughput sensible and accurate UPLC method using tandem mass spectrometry detection for mycophenolate acid (MPA) and its metabolites, MPA glucuronide (MPAG) and acyl MPA glucuronide (AcMPAG) concentration determination with MPA-D3 as internal standard in human plasma.

METHODS

Plasma pretreatment involved a one-step protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The separation was performed by reverse-phase chromatography on a Waters BEH HSST3 100 mm*2.1 mm*1.8 μm column. The multiple reaction monitoring transitions used for quantification were m/z 321.04→303.02 for MPA, 524.09→303.02 for AcMPAG and MPAG and 324.03→306.04 for MPA-D3 in the electrospray positive ionization mode.

RESULTS

The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.1-20mg/L for MPA and AcMPAG and 1-200mg/L for MPAG respectively. The intra- and inter-day precision values were below 14% and accuracy was from 94.0 to 103.3% at all quality control levels. The lower LOQ was 0.1 mg/L for MPA and AcMPAG, 1 mg/L for MPAG.

CONCLUSION

Sample analysis time was reduced to 7 min including sample preparation. The present method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study following oral administration of enterocoated sodium mycophenolate in de novo renal transplantation.

The current role of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressant and antiretroviral drugs

Therapeutic drug monitoring of critical dose immunosuppressant drugs is established clinical practice and there are similar good reasons to monitor antiretrovirals. The aim of this article is to review the recent literature (last five years), with particular reference to the use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). LC-MS/MS offers many potential advantages. The superior selectivity of LC-MS/MS over immunoassays for immunosuppressant drugs has been widely reported. Simultaneous measurement of a number of drugs can be performed. It is currently routine practice for the four major immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus and everolimus) to be simultaneously measured in whole blood. While up to 17 antiretroviral drugs have been simultaneously measured in plasma. The exquisite sensitivity of LC-MS/MS also provides the opportunity to measure these drugs in alternative matrices, such as dried blood spots, saliva, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tissue. However, the clinical utility of measuring these classes of drugs in alternative matrices is still to be determined.

Investigation of the crossreactivity of mycophenolic acid glucuronide metabolites and of mycophenolate mofetil in the Cedia MPA assay

The immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid (MPA) used for solid organ transplantation is predominantly metabolized to a pharmacologically inactive phenolic glucuronide (MPAG) and, to a lesser extent, to the pharmacologically active acyl glucuronide (AcMPAG). The recently introduced CEDIA Mycophenolic Acid Assay from Microgenics has been reported to overestimate MPA in clinical samples and crossreactivity with AcMPAG has been suspected. A detailed investigation of the crossreactivity of AcMPAG and the prodrug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the CEDIA assay is presented using pure substances. In addition, MPA concentrations in plasma were compared with a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet method. Plasma samples from kidney (KTx, n = 50), heart (HTx, n = 50), and liver (LTx, n = 50) transplant recipients were analyzed by the CEDIA (MPA) and a high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet method (MMF, MPA, MPAG, AcMPAG). Crossreactivity of MMF (0.93-46.3 mg/L), MPAG (50-1000 mg/L), and AcMPAG (0.5-10 mg/L) was investigated using spiked drug-free plasma. Method comparison was performed using Bland & Altman and Passing & Bablok analysis. The method bias was correlated to AcMPAG concentrations using Spearman's rank correlation. Crossreactivity with AcMPAG and MMF was concentration-dependent and reached 215% and 143%, respectively. There was no crossreactivity with MPAG. The CEDIA assay showed a mean positive bias of 36.3% in patient samples. The mean bias was lowest with HTx samples (15%), 41.7% with KTx samples, and highest with LTx samples (52.3%). There was a positive correlation between the method bias and AcMPAG concentrations (r = 0.829; P < 0.001). No MMF was detected in patient samples. The CEDIA overestimates MPA concentrations on average by 36%. This bias is mainly the result of AcMPAG as previously observed with the EMIT MPA assay. It should be considered that the putative therapeutic range for MPA with the CEDIA assay will be higher than the range using high-performance liquid chromatography.