LC-MS/MS determination of tideglusib, a novel GSK-3ß inhibitor in mice plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

A sensitive, specific and rapid LC-ESI-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of tideglusib in mice plasma using warfarin as an internal standard (I.S.) as per regulatory guidelines. Sample preparation was accomplished through liquid-liquid extraction process. Chromatographic separation was performed on Atlantis dC18 column using mobile phase A (acetonitrile) and B (5mM ammonium acetate in water) in a flow-gradient mode. Elution of tideglusib and the I.S. occurred at ∼2.06 and 1.29min, respectively. The total chromatographic run time was 3.2min. A linear response function was established in the concentration range of 20.2-1008ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were in the range of 4.61-12.6 and 6.04-11.8%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

PLK4: a link between centriole biogenesis and cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Polo like kinase (PLK) is known to play a pivotal role in various cell cycle processes to perpetuate proper division and growth of the cells. Polo like kinase-4 (PLK4) is one such kinase that appears in low abundance and plays a well-characterized role in centriole duplication. PLK4 deregulation (i.e. both overexpression and depletion of PLK4), leads to altered mitotic fidelity and thereby triggers tumorigenesis. Hence, over the last few years PLK4 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of various advanced cancers. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the basic structure, expression, localization and functions of PLK4 along with its regulation by various proteins. We also discuss the role of altered PLK4 activity in the onset of cancer and the current pre-clinical and clinical inhibitors to regulate PLK4. Expert opinion: PLK4 mediated centriole duplication has a crucial role in maintaining mitotic correctness in normal cells, while its deregulation has a greater impact on genesis of cancer. Henceforth, a deep knowledge of the PLK4 levels, its role and interactions with various proteins in cancer is required to design effective inhibitors for clinical use.

LC-MS/MS-ESI method for simultaneous quantification of darolutamide and its active metabolite, ORM-15341 in mice plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

A sensitive and rapid LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of darolutamide and its active metabolite i.e. ORM-15341 in 50µL mice plasma using bicalutamide as an internal standard (I.S.) as per regulatory guidelines. Sample processing was accomplished through liquid-liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an Atlantis C18 column with an isocratic mobile phase comprising 0.2% formic acid:acetonitrile (35:65, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.8mL/min within 2.5min. Detection and quantitation were done by multiple reaction monitoring on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer following the transitions: m/z 397→202, 395→202 and 429→255 for darolutamide, ORM-15341 and I.S, respectively in the negative ionization mode. The calibration curve was linear from 0.61-1097ng/mL for both darolutamide and ORM-15341. The intra- and inter-day precisions were in the range of 1.34-13.8 and 4.85-12.9 and 3.91-13.7 and 6.54-14.2%, for darolutamide and ORM-15341, respectively. Darolutamide and ORM-15341 were found to be stable under different stability conditions. The validated method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

Validated LC-MS-MS Method for Determination of SF0034 in Mice Plasma: Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study in Mice.

A rapid and sensitive assay method has been developed and validated using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the positive-ion mode for the estimation of SF0034 in mice plasma. The assay procedure involves a simple protein precipitation of SF0034 and tolbutamide (internal standard, IS) from mice plasma. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Atlantis dC18 column using an isocratic mobile phase comprising 0.2% formic acid:acetonitrile (10:90, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min. The total run time was 2.5 min. For mass spectrometric detection, the multiple reaction monitoring was used and ion transitions monitored were m/z 322 → 248 for SF0034 and 271 → 155 for IS. Method validation was performed as per regulatory guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. A calibration curve was constructed in the range of 2.08-2,078 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision was in the range of 1.06-14.4% and 7.16-11.7%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

PAD4: pathophysiology, current therapeutics and future perspective in rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is an enzyme that plays an important role in gene expression, turning out genetic code into functional products in the body. It is involved in a key post translational modification, which involves the conversion of arginine to citrulline. It regulates various processes such as apoptosis, innate immunity and pluripotency, while its dysregulation has a great impact on the genesis of various diseases. Over the last few years PAD4 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the basic structure and function of PAD4, along with the role of altered PAD4 activity in the onset of RA and other maladies. We also elucidate the role of PAD4 variants in etiology of RA among several ethnic groups and the current pre-clinical inhibitors to regulate PAD4. Expert opinion: Citrullination has a crucial role in RA and several other disorders. Since PAD4 is an initiator of the citrullination, it is an important therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. Therefore, an in depth knowledge of the roles and activity of PAD4 is required to explore more effective ways to conquer PAD4 related ailments, especially RA.

Emerging role of SETDB1 as a therapeutic target.

INTRODUCTION: Epigenetic changes lead to aberrant gene expression in cancer. SETDB1, a histone lysine methyltransferase plays an important role in methylation and gene silencing. Aberrant histone methylation at H3K9 by SETDB1 promotes silencing of tumor suppressor genes and thus contributes to carcinogenesis. Recent studies indicate that SETDB1 is abnormally expressed in various human cancer conditions which contributed to enhanced tumor growth and metastasis. Hence, SETDB1 appears to be a promising epigenetic target for therapeutic intervention. Areas covered: In this article, the structural features, localization and functions of SETDB1 are reviewed. Also, an overview of the role of SETDB1 in cancer and other disease mechanisms, the currently studied inhibitors for SETDB1 are mentioned. Expert opinion: Silencing of tumor suppressor genes due to excessive trimethylation at H3K9 by amplified SETDB1 levels is found in various cancerous conditions. Since epigenetic changes are reversible, SETDB1 holds promise as an important therapeutic target for cancer. Therefore, a better understanding of the role of SETDB1 and its interaction with various proteins in cancer-related mechanisms along with therapeutic interventions specific for SETDB1 may improve targeted cancer therapy.

Determination of epacadostat, a novel IDO1 inhibitor in mouse plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

A sensitive, specific and rapid LC-ESI-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of epacadostat in mouse plasma using tolbutamide as an internal standard (IS) as per regulatory guidelines. Sample preparation was accomplished through a protein precipitation. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Atlantis dC18 column using a binary gradient using mobile phase A (acetonitrile) and B (0.2% formic acid in water) at a flow rate of 0.90 mL/min. Elution of epacadostat and IS occurred at ~2.41 and 2.51 min, respectively. The total chromatographic run time was 3.2 min. A linear response function was established in the concentration range of 1.07-533 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were in the ranges of 1.81-12.9 and 3.80-11.1%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

Validation of an LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous detection of four HDAC inhibitors - belinostat, panobinostat, rocilinostat and vorinostat in mouse plasma and its application to a mouse pharmacokinetic study.

A sensitive and rapid LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of four HDAC inhibitors, namely belinostat (BST), panobinostat (PST), rocilinostat (RST) and vorinostat (VST), in mouse plasma as per regulatory guidelines. The analytes and internal standard were extracted from 50 µL mouse plasma by protein precipitation, followed by chromatographic separation using an Atlantis C18 column with an isocratic mobile phase comprising 0.1% formic acid-acetonitrile (25:75, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min within 2.5 min. Detection and quantitation were done by multiple reaction monitoring on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer following the transitions: m/z 319 → 93, 350 → 158, 434 → 274 and 265 → 232 for BST, PST, RST and VST, respectively, in the positive ionization mode. The calibration curves were linear from 2.92 to 2921 ng/mL for BST and PST and from 1.01 to 1008 ng/mL for RST and VST with r2 ≥ 0.99 for all of the analytes. The intra- and inter-batch accuracy and precision (CV) across quality controls varied from 85.5 to 112% and from 2.30 to 12.5, respectively, for all of the analytes. Analytes were found to be stable under different stability conditions. The method was applied to an i.v. pharmacokinetic study in mice.

Therapeutical potential of deregulated lysine methyltransferase SMYD3 as a safe target for novel anticancer agents.

INTRODUCTION: SET and MYND domain containing-3 (SMYD3) is a member of the lysine methyltransferase family of proteins, and plays an important role in the methylation of various histone and non-histone targets. Proper functioning of SMYD3 is very important for the target molecules to determine their different roles in chromatin remodeling, signal transduction and cell cycle control. Due to the abnormal expression of SMYD3 in tumors, it is projected as a prognostic marker in various solid cancers. Areas covered: Here we elaborate on the general information, structure and the pathological role of SMYD3 protein. We summarize the role of SMYD3-mediated protein interactions in oncology pathways, mutational effects and regulation of SMYD3 in specific types of cancer. The efficacy and mechanisms of action of currently available SMYD3 small molecule inhibitors are also addressed. Expert opinion: The findings analyzed herein demonstrate that aberrant levels of SMYD3 protein exert tumorigenic effects by altering the epigenetic regulation of target genes. The partial involvement of SMYD3 in some distinct pathways provides a vital opportunity in targeting cancer effectively with fewer side effects. Further, identification and co-targeting of synergistic oncogenic pathways is suggested, which could provide much more beneficial effects for the treatment of solid cancers.

Determination of ulixertinib in mice plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

A sensitive, specific and rapid LC-ESI-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of ulixertinib in mice plasma using phenacetin as an internal standard (I.S.) as per regulatory guidelines. Sample preparation was accomplished through a protein precipitation procedure with acetonitrile:methanol mixture. Chromatographic separation was performed on Atlantis dC18 column using a binary gradient using mobile phase A (0.2% formic acid in water) and B (acetonitrile) at a flow rate of 0.60mL/min. Elution of ulixertinib and I.S. occurred at ∼1.07 and 1.20min, respectively. The total chromatographic run time was 2.5min. A linear response function was established in the concentration range of 1.58-2054ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precisions were in the range of 2.11-11.8 and 5.80-11.4%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

Sensitive method for the determination of rocilinostat in small volume mouse plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

A highly sensitive, specific and rapid LC-ESI-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of rocilinostat in small volume mouse plasma (20 µL) using vorinostat as an internal standard (IS) as per regulatory guidelines. Sample preparation was accomplished through a protein precipitation procedure with acetonitrile. Chromatography was achieved on Prodigy ODS-2 column using a binary gradient using mobile phase A (0.2% formic acid in water) and B (acetonitrile) at a flow rate of 0.38 mL/min. The total chromatographic run time was 4.1 min and the elution of rocilinostat and IS occurred at ~3.2 and 2.9 min, respectively. A linear response function was established in the concentration range of 0.28-1193 ng/mL in mouse plasma. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precisions were in the ranges of 3.12-8.93 and 6.41-11.6%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Orally available stilbene derivatives as potent HDAC inhibitors with antiproliferative activities and antitumor effects in human tumor xenografts.

Herein we report the synthesis and activity of a novel class of HDAC inhibitors based on 2, 3-diphenyl acrylic acid derivatives. The compounds in this series have shown to be potent HDAC inhibitors possessing significant antiproliferative activity. Further compounds in this series were subjected to metabolic stability in human liver microsomes (HLM), mouse liver microsomes (MLM), and exhibits promising stability in both. These efforts culminated with the identification of a developmental candidate (5a), which displayed desirable PK/PD relationships, significant efficacy in the xenograft models and attractive ADME profiles.

Development and validation of an RP-HPLC method for the quantitation of odanacatib in rat and human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

A simple, specific, sensitive and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of odanacatib in rat and human plasma. The bioanalytical procedure involves extraction of odanacatib and itraconazole (internal standard, IS) from a 200 µL plasma aliquot with simple liquid-liquid extraction process. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Symmetry Shield RP18 using an isocratic mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. The UV detection wave length was 268 nm. Odanacatib and IS eluted at 5.5 and 8.6 min, respectively with a total run time of 10 min. Method validation was performed as per US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 50.9-2037 ng/mL (r(2) = 0.994). The intra- and inter-day precisions were in the range of 2.06-5.11 and 5.84-13.1%, respectively, in rat plasma and 2.38-7.90 and 6.39-10.2%, respectively, in human plasma. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.

Breaking the sensitivity limitations of cytochrome P450 oxidation product: dansyl chloride derivatisation of 4-OH mephenytoin, a CYP2C19 metabolite and its application to in vitro CYP inhibition assay.

A rapid selective and sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the quantitative determination of derivatised cytochrome P450-2C19 oxidation product (dansyl-4-OH mephenytoin) and its underivatised form (4-OH mephenytoin). Samples were anaysed on C18 column (Waters Xbridge, 50 mm×4.6 mm, 3.5 µm particle size) with the mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. A gradient method with a short run time of 2.5 min and 3.5 min was developed for the analysis of dansyl-4-OH mephenytoin and 4-OH mephenytoin, respectively. The standard curve was linear (r(2)=0.9972 for 4-OH mephenytoin; r(2)=0.9946 for dansyl-4-OH mephenytoin) over the concentration range of 0.16 to 40 ng/mL for both derivatised and underivatised forms. The CV (%) and relative error (RE) for inter and intraassay at three QC levels for dansyl-4-OH mephenytoin was 0.97-5.85% and -9.80 to 2.51%, respectively. Whereas, for 4-OH mephenytoin the CV (%) and RE (%) at three QC levels was 0.82-3.47% and -6.69 to -0.01%, respectively. The developed method was validated for various parameters such as linearity, precision & accuracy, extraction recovery, matrix effect, autosampler stability and was proved to be consistent across three QC levels with overall CV (%) less than 15. Dansylation helped in increasing the sensitivity of hydroxy mephenytoin by 100-200 fold. Given the simplicity involved in derivatisation process, we believe that this novel methodology will change the current approaches used for the enhancing the detection sensitivity of 4-OH mephenytoin.

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitative estimation of solutol HS15 and its applications.

A rapid, sensitive and selective pseudoMRM (pMRM)-based method for the determination of solutol HS15 (SHS15) in rat plasma was developed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The most abundant ions corresponding to SHS15 free polyethyleneglycol (PEG) oligomers at m/z 481, 525, 569, 613, 657, 701, 745, 789, 833, 877, 921 and 965 were selected for pMRM in electrospray mode of ionization. Purity of the lipophilic and hydrophilic components of SHS15 was estimated using evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). Plasma concentrations of SHS15 were measured after oral administration at 2.50 g/kg dose and intravenous administration at 1.00 g/kg dose in male Sprague Dawley rats. SHS15 has poor oral bioavailability of 13.74% in rats. Differences in pharmacokinetics of oligomers were studied. A novel proposal was conveyed to the scientific community, where formulation excipient could be analyzed as a qualifier in the analysis of new chemical entities (NCEs) to address the spiky plasma concentration profiles.

Development and validation of an RP-HPLC method for the quantitation of Orteronel (TAK-700), a CYP17A1 enzyme inhibitor, in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

A novel, simple, specific, sensitive and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of Orteronel in rat plasma. The bioanalytical procedure involves extraction of Orteronel and phenacetin (internal standard) from rat plasma with a simple liquid-liquid extraction process. The chromatographic analysis was performed on a Waters Alliance system using a gradient mobile phase conditions at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and a C18 column maintained at ambient room temperature. The eluate was monitored using a photodiode array detector set at 242. Orteronel and internal standard eluted at 4.8 and 6.2 min, respectively and the total run time was 9 min. Method validation was performed as per US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 100-3149 ng/mL (r(2) = 0.995). The intra- and inter-day precisions were in the ranges of 0.31-7.87 and 3.97-6.35, respectively, in rat plasma. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of Orteronel in rats.

Discovery of adamantane based highly potent HDAC inhibitors.

Herein, we report the development of highly potent HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. A series of adamantane and nor-adamantane based HDAC inhibitors were designed, synthesized and screened for the inhibitory activity of HDAC. A number of compounds exhibited GI50 of 10-100 nM in human HCT116, NCI-H460 and U251 cancer cells, in vitro. Compound 32 displays efficacy in human tumour animal xenograft model.

Development and validation of an enantioselective LC-MS/MS method to quantify enantiomers of (±)-TAK-700 in rat plasma: lack of in vivo inversion of (+)-TAK-700 (Orteronel) to its antipode.

A highly sensitive, specific and enantioselective assay has been developed and validated for the estimation of TAK-700 enantiomers [(+)-TAK-700 and (-)-TAK-700] in rat plasma on LC-MS/MS-ESI in the positive-ion mode. Liquid-liquid extraction was used to extract (±)-TAK-700 enantiomers and IS (phenacetin) from rat plasma. TAK-700 enantiomers were separated using methanol and 5 mm ammonium acetate (80:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min on a Chiralcel OJ-RH column. The total run time was 7.0 min and the elution of (+)-TAK-700, (-)-TAK-700 and IS occurred at 3.71, 4.45 and 4.33 min, respectively. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were m/z 308.2 → 95.0 for TAK-700 and m/z 180.2 → 110.1 for IS. The standard curves for TAK-700 enantiomers were linear (r(2) > 0.998) in the concentration range 2.01-2015 ng/mL for each enantiomer. The inter- and intra-day precisions were in the ranges 3.74-7.61 and 2.06-8.71% and 3.59-9.00 and 2.32-11.0% for (+)-TAK-700 and (-)-TAK-700, respectively. Both the enantiomers were found to be stable in a battery of stability studies. This novel method was applied to the study of stereoselective oral pharmacokinetics of (+)-TAK-700 and it was unequivocally demonstrated that (+)-TAK-700 does not undergo chiral inversion to its antipode in vivo.

Validated RP-HPLC/UV method for the quantitation of abiraterone in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.

A novel, simple, specific, sensitive and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of abiraterone (ART) in rat plasma. The analytical procedure involves extraction of ART and diclofenac (internal standard, IS) from rat plasma with a simple liquid-liquid extraction process. The chromatographic analysis was performed on a Waters Alliance system with a Betasil C(18) column maintained at ambient room temperature and an isocratic mobile phase [acetonitrile-water-10 mm potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 3.0), 55:5:40, v/v/v] at a flow rate of 1.00 mL/min with a total run time of 10 min. The eluate was monitored using an UV detector set at 255 nm. Method validation was performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 93.4-3251 ng/mL (r(2) = 0.997). The intra- and inter-day precisions were 0.56-4.98 and 3.03-7.18, respectively, in rat plasma. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of ART in rats.

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitation of indomethacin in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.

A highly sensitive and rapid bioanalytical method has been developed and validated for the estimation of indomethacin in rat plasma with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the positive-ion mode. The assay procedure involves a simple liquid-liquid extraction of indomethacin and phenacetin (internal standard, IS) from rat plasma with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved with 0.2% formic acid-acetonitrile (25:75, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min on an Atlantis dC18 column with a total run time 3.0 min. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were 357.7 → 139.1 for indomethacin and 180.20 → 110.10 for IS. Method validation and pharmacokinetic study plasma analysis were performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The lower limit of quantitation achieved was 0.51 ng/mL and the linearity was observed from 0.51 to 25.5 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions were in the range of 1.00-10.2 and 5.88-9.80%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to an oral pharmacokinetic study in rats.