Research Article - (2017) Volume 8, Issue 1

Stability-Indicating Chromatographic Methods for Determination of Agomelatine in Drug Substance and Drug Product

Mohamed Rizk1, Elham A Taha2, Maha M Abou El-Alamin1 and Yasmine M Sayed2*
1Analytical Chemistry Department, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
2National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt
*Corresponding Author: Yasmine M Sayed, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), 6 Abu Hazem Street, Pyramids Ave., P. O. Box 29, Giza, Egypt, Tel: +20 2 37484988 Email:

Abstract

Three sensitive and validated chromatographic methods were developed for determination of Agomelatine (AGO) in the presence of its degradation products in drug substance and drug product. The first and second methods were normal thin layer chromatographic (NP-TLC) and reversed phase thin layer chromatographic (RP-TLC) methods. Mobile phase consisting of ethyl acetate-ammonia (33%)-methanol (8.5:0.5:1, v/v/v) was used for NP-TLC while for RP-TLC using 0.1% triethylamine (TEA): acetonitrile (60:40 v/v) at pH=2. The chromatograms were scanned at 230 and 280 nm and determined in the range of 0.1-4 and 0.3-4 μg/spot with mean percentage recovery of 99.89 ± 1.141 and 100.01 ± 1.062 for NP-TLC and RP-TLC respectively. The third method was Micellar Liquid Chromatographic (MLC) method using C18 column and a mobile phase consisting of 0.1 M Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS), 15% butan-1-ol, 0.2% TEA in water adjusted to pH=3. The UV detection was achieved at 230 nm and determined in the range of 0.5-5 μg/mL with mean percentage recovery of 100.13 ± 0.970. The proposed methods were successfully applied as stability indicating methods under different stressed conditions according to the International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The methods showed good selectivity, repeatability, linearity and sensitivity according to the evaluation of the validation parameters.

Keywords: Agomelatine; Micellar Liquid Chromatographic (MLC); Thin layer chromatographic; Reversed phase; Stability-indicating

Introduction

Agomelatine (AGO) is the first melatonergic antidepressant, displays a non-monoaminergic mechanism.

As AGO addresses sleep disturbances as well as depressive symptoms and has early onset of action, even in severely depressed patients, it stands alone among the antidepressants for effective management of major depressive disorders (MDD) [1].

It is a naptha-lenic compound chemically designated as N-[2-(7- methoxynaphth-1-yl) ethyl] acetamide (Figure 1). It has an empirical formula of C15H17NO2 [2].

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-structure-Agomelatine

Figure 1: Chemical structure of Agomelatine.

It has a high agonist affinity at melatonin (MT1 and MT2) receptors. It is also an antagonist of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT2C and 5-HT2B) serotonin receptors.

It displays an overall selectivity (>100-folds) for MT1 and MT2 receptors as compared to other receptor sites.

The pharmacology of AGO is different to all other antidepressants currently available. And this may exhibit clinically as improvements in mood, anxiety and sleep–wake cycles with MDD, indicate that AGO is a potentially useful treatment for major depressive episodes in adults [1,3].

The literature survey reveals several methods for determination of AGO in plasma by High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method with fluorescence detection [4,5], UV detection [6-8] and mass spectrometry [9,10]. Electro Kinetic Chromatography (EKC) method [11] and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method [12] were also developed.

TLC method is considered to be a good alternative, and it should be widely explored as an important tool in routine drug analysis. A major advantage of TLC is its ability to analyze several samples simultaneously using a small quantity of mobile phase. This reduces the time and cost of analysis, minimizes exposure risks, and significantly reduces disposal problems of toxic organic solvents, thereby reducing the possibilities of environment pollution [13].

MLC was first introduced by Armstrong and Henry [14]. It is an alternative technique to conventional reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) in which the mobile phases are aqueous solution of surfactant at a concentration above critical micelle concentration (c.m.c.) where they associate to form aggregates called micelles. This has made these systems are applicable separation methods [15].

The slaw solutes transfer between the micelles and the stationary phase results in band broadening which affects the high efficiency that is obtained in MLC. Therefore, increasing temperature, decreasing the flow rate or the addition of organic modifiers which is usually short chain alcohol to the mobile phase increase the elution strength, improve the shape of chromatographic peaks and improve efficiency in MLC by solvating the bonded stationary phase and reduce amount of surfactant adsorbed [14,15].

To our knowledge no stability indicating MLC method was reported for AGO. The aim of this work is to perform more accurate, reliable, fast and validated MLC and TLC methods for determination of AGO in drug substance and drug product with a simple and rapid sample preparation especially for the routine analysis. Different chromatographic parameters were investigated to select the optimum conditions for separation and for application as stability-indicating methods for determination of AGO according to ICH guideline [16].

Experimental

Instrumentation

The NP-TLC and The RP-TLC methods were performed on CAMAG Linomat 5 TLC scanner (Muttenz, Switzerland) using TLC silica gel 60 F254 aluminum sheets plates (10 × 10 cm with 0.2 mm thickness, E. Merck, Germany) and TLC silica gel 60 RP-18 F254 S aluminium sheets plates (10 × 10 cm with 0.2 mm thickness, E. Merck, Germany) and spots of the samples were applied in the form of bands of width 3 mm and 6 mm using CAMAG Linomat 5 sample applicator with 100 μL syringe for NP-TLC and RP-TLC respectively.

The MLC method was performed on Agilent 1200 series LC (Germany) equipped with quaternary gradient pump, variable wavelength UV detector and a manual injector Rheodyne valve with 20 μL fixed loop.). The data was analyzed using Chemstation software. The mobile phase was filtered through Charles Austen Pumps Ltd. filter; modelB100 SE (England, UK) using 0.45 μm millipore filters (Gelman, Germany) (Tokyo, Japan).

UV lamp with short wave length 254 nm, (Desaga, German).

All the drugs and chemicals were weighed on Sartorius weighting technology GmbH (Gottingen-Germany).

The pH was measured with Jenway pH meter, 3510, (EssexUK).

Ultrasonic bath used was Falc, (TreviglioItaly).

Shimadzu UV-VIS 2450 spectrophotometer (Tokyo, Japan), connected with UV probe program with two matched 1 cm path-length quartz cell.

Materials and Methods

Authentic sample: AGO (B.N.2AGM0020514) was kindly supplied by Al–Rowad Pharmaceutical industrial Company. Its purity was found to be 99.3% as referred by the supplier [17]. Dosage form: VALDOXAN® film coated tablets (Batch No. 914403), labelled to contain 25 mg of AGO manufacture by Les Laboratories Servier Industries, France and were packed by: SERVIER EGYPT INDUSTRIES LIMITED, A.R.E. They were obtained from local market.

Chemicals and reagents

All Reagents were of Analytical Reagent Grade and solvents were of HPLC grade. Deionised water (SEDICO pharmaceuticals Co., Cairo, Egypt) was used throughout the study. Methanol, 1propanol, butan-1- ol, ethyl acetate and acetonitrile (HPLC grade) were obtained from SigmaAldrich (Germany). Orthophosphoric acid (85%, w/v), triethylamine (TEA) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS, 99%) were obtained from RiedeldeHaen (Sleeze, Germany), hydrochloric acid (Aldrich, Germany), sodium hydroxide and ammonia 33% were purchased from (El Nasr Pharmaceutical Chemicals Co. Egypt). Hydrogen peroxide (30%, w/v) was obtained from Luna industrial group (6th of October City, Egypt).

Chromatographic conditions

NP-TLC and RP-TLC methods were performed TLC silica gel 60 F254 aluminum sheets plates (10 × 10 cm with 0.2 mm thickness, E. Merck, Germany) and TLC silica gel 60 RP-18 F254 S alumminium sheets plates (10 × 10 cm with 0.2 mm thickness, E. Merck, Germany)) in the form of narrow bands of 3 mm and 6 mm to the plate at 10 mm from the bottom and 10 mm from the side edges, and with 10 mm distance between each two bands for NP-TLC and RP-TLC respectively. Samples were applied under a continuous drying stream of nitrogen gas. The mobile phase is consisting of ethyl acetatemethanol- ammonia (33%) (8.5:1:0.5 v/v/v) for NP-TLC method while for RP-TLC method, the mobile phase is consisting of 0.1% TEA: Acetonitril (60:40, v/v) at pH=2 adjusted using ortho-phosphoric acid. Linear ascending development was carried out in a glass chamber (for 10 × 10 cm) previously saturated with mobile phase vapor for 10 min. and 15 min for NP-TLC and RP-TLC respectively at 25 ± 2°C. After development the plates were completely dried in air. Densitometric scanning was performed in the absorbance mode and bands were scanned at 230 and 280 nm for NP-TLC and RP-TLC respectively. The slit dimensions were 5 mm length and 0.45 mm width, with a scanning speed of 10 mm/s for both methods.

Optimized Chromatographic conditions are shown in Table 1.

Parameters Chromatographic Conditions
NP-TLC RP-TLC
Stationary Phase Aluminium sheet TLC silica gel 60 F254 S plates. Aluminium sheet TLC silica gel 60 RP-18 F254 S plates.
Mobile phase Ethyl actate: Methanol: Amm (33%) (80:15:5 v/v) 0.1% TEA: Acetonitril at pH 2 (60:40v/v)
Chamber saturation 10 min 15 min
Sample applicator CAMAGE Linomate 5
Band 6 mm 3 mm
Densitometric scanner CAMAGE Linomate 5 TLC scanner
Wavelength 280 nm 230 nm

Table 1: Optimization of TLC conditions for the separation of AGO.

MLC method was performed on Apollo C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm particle sizes). The mobile phase is consisting of 0.1 M sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), 15% butan-1-ol, 0.2% triethylamine (TEA) in water adjust pH at 3 using ortho-phosphoric acid. It was filtered and sonicated for 15 min before use. The column was equilibrated for at least 2 h with the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.2 mL/min and sample injection volumes were 20 μL at temperature (50°C). The UV detector was operated at 230 nm.

Preparation of standard solutions

Stock solutions: Stock solution of AGO was prepared by accurately weighing 10 mg into 100 mL volumetric flasks, 20 mL methanol was added, shacked well and then completed to the mark with the same solvent to get 100 μg/mL stock solution for TLC and MLC methods.

Working solutions: Serial dilutions of AGO and was transferred into series of 10 mL volumetric flasks, completed to the mark with methanol to get 0.1-4 μg/mL, 0.3-4 μg/mL and 0.5-5 μg/mL working solutions for NP-TLC, RP-TLC and MLC respectively.

Preparation of pharmaceutical products

The content of 10 tablets of VALDOXAN film coated tablets were decoated, dried, accurately weighed and finely powdered. Tablet powder equivalent to 10 mg of AGO was accurately weighted, dissolved in 20 mL methanol, sonicated for 15 min and filtered through Whatmann filter paper No. 41. The solution was transferred to a 100 mL volumetric flask and volume was made up to the mark with methanol to yield a solution containing 100 μg/mL of AGO.

Sample degradation: The degradation samples were prepared by transferring powdered tablets, equivalent to 100 mg AGO into a 250 mL round bottomed flask. Then drug content was employed for acidic and alkaline stress conditions. After the degradation treatments were completed, the stress content solutions were allowed to equilibrate to room temperature and diluted with methanol to attain 1000 μg/mL AGO concentration.

Acidic and Alkaline degradation study was performed by heating the drug content under reflux in alcoholic 2 N HCl and 2 N NaOH for 2 h and the mixture was neutralized. Oxidation degradation study was performed by heating the drug content under reflux in 5% v/v H2O2 for 1 h.

Results and Discussion

NP-TLC method

The proposed NP-TLC method is depending on the differences in RF values of AGO and its alkaline, acidic and oxidative degradation products. The chromatographic conditions for the NP-TLC method were developed for the determination of AGO in the presence of its degradation products such as mobile phase composition, scan mode, and wavelength of detection. By studying different developing systems with different ratios, the most suitable one with good RF values was ethyl acetate-methanol-ammonia (33%) in the ratio of (8.5:1:0.5v/v/v) which gave a good resolution and compact spots for both AGO and its degradation products with RF value 0.58 ± 0.04 for AGO (Figure 2).

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-Chromatogram-AGO

Figure 2: 2D Chromatogram of AGO (Rf=0.58 ± 0.04) using Ethyl acetate: MeOH:Amm. (33%) (85:10:5, v/v/v) as mobile phase at 230 nm by NP-TLC method.

The scan mode chosen was the absorbance mode and swing width was 10 mm.

Different scanning wavelengths were tried but the best sensitivity was at 230 nm.

By applying the proposed NP-TLC method, a linear correlation was obtained between the area under the peak and the concentration in the range of 0.1-4 μg/spot (Figure 3).

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-calibration-bands

Figure 3: 3D Chromatgram of calibration bands of AGO (0.1-4 μg/spot) at 230 nm by NP-TLC method.

RP-TLC method

The proposed RP-TLC method was developed for routine analysis of AGO. Selection of the mobile phase was carried out on the basis of polarity. A mobile phase that would give a dense and compact band with an appropriate RF value for AGO and degradation products was desired. Various mobile phases such as methanol–water, methanol– 0.5% TEA, methanol–acetonitril–water, methanol–0.05 m phosphate buffer pH 2.5, acetonitril–water, acetonitril–0.5% TEA, acetonitril–0.05 m phosphate buffer pH 2.5, and acetonitril–0.1% aqueous orthophosphoric acid–0.15% TEA were tried in different proportions.

A mobile phase consisting of 0.1% TEA: Acetonitril (60:40, v/v) at pH=2 adjusted using orthophosphoric acid gave good separation of AGO from its degradation products with RF value 0.54 ± 0.02 for AGO. The scan mode chosen was the absorbance mode and swing width was 10 mm. Different scanning wavelengths were tried but the best sensitivity was at 280 nm. These chromatographic conditions produced a well-defined, compact and non-diffuse band of AGO with good resolution and a sharp symmetrical peak (Figure 4). A linear correlation was obtained between the area under the peak and the concentration in the range of 0.3-4 μg/spot (Figure 5).

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-mobile-phase

Figure 4: 2D chromatogram of AGO (Rf=0.54 ± 0.02) using 0.1% TEA: Acetonitril (60:40, v/v) PH=2 as mobile phase at 280 nm by RP-TLC method.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-RP-TLC

Figure 5: 3D chromatogram of calibration bands of AGO (0.3-4 μg/spot) at 280 nm by RP-TLC.

MLC method

The proposed MLC method represents a simple and sensitive stability-indicating assay method for the simultaneous determination of AGO in bulk and commercial tablets. Different parameters affecting the chromatographic performance of AGO were carefully studied in order to achieve the most suitable chromatographic system. The results of the optimization study can be summarized as follows.

Choice of appropriate detection wavelength: AGO exhibited maximum absorption at 230 and 280 nm when measured in methanol. 230 nm was selected as it gives reasonable sensitivity. The absorption spectrum of AGO in methanol is shown in Figure 6.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-Absortion-spectrum

Figure 6: Absortion spectrum of AGO in MeOH.

Optimization of the mobile phase: The chromatographic conditions were optimized to provide sufficient simplicity, selectivity and suitability in a short separation time and good resolution between the drug and its degradation products. The variables were studied include: the pH of the mobile phase, concentration of SDS, organic modifier and TEA, flow rate and temperatures.

PH of the mobile phase: Different pH was studied 2.5, 3.5 and 6. The pH=3 adjusted using ortho-phosphoric acid were selected as the optimum pH value for the mobile phase which give the highest number of theoretical plates with good peak shape and symmetry (Figure 7).

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-MLC-Chromatogram

Figure 7: MLC Chromatogram of AGO under optimum chromatographic conditions using Apollo C18 column (a) solvent front peak (b) AGO peak (5 μg/mL).

Concentration of SDS: Concentration of SDS was varied in different range from 0.05-0.20 M. The highest the molar concentration of SDS the lowest the retention time of the drug but the 0.2 M SDS showed lower number of theoretical plates and higher peak tailing than 0.1 M SDS. The 0.1 M SDS was selected as the optimum concentration for the mobile phase.

Type and concentration of organic modifier: Three different organic modifiers were tested including 1propanol, acetonitrile and butan-1-ol. The butan-1-ol has been selected as the optimum organic modifier where the acetonitrile did not separate the degradation products and the 1propanol separated the drug at high retention time and bad peak resolution. The concentration of butan-1-ol was varied in different range from 10-20%. As expected, the drug's retention time decreases as organic modifier's percentage increases. A concentration of 15% of butan1-ol was selected as the optimal concentration, where it gave a good retention time and peak symmetry where a concentration of 20% of butan1-ol gave the lowest number of theoretical plates.

Concentration of triethyl amine (TEA): TEA is added to the mobile phase to reduce the tailing of basic compounds. Different Concentration of TEA was used in the range of 0.10.3%. It was found that the peak asymmetry and number of theoretical plates were higher with 0.2% TEA.

Flow rate of the mobile phase: The effect of flow rate of the mobile phase was studied using the range of 1.0 and1.2 mL/min. It was found that flow rate of 1-2.0 mL/min provide high peak asymmetry, high number of theoretical plates and good peak shape within a better retention time.

Temperature

It was found that the drug's retention time decreases as temperature increases where the number of theoretical plates increases. A temperature of 50°C was selected as the optimal one.

Finally, a mobile phase 0.1 M SDS, 15% butan-1-ol, 0.2% TEA in water adjusted to pH=3 at flow rate of 1.2 mL/min and at temperature=50°C was selected as it give the best peak shape and good sensitivity within a 10 min run time. The retention time was 5.4 min. for AGO. Wavelength was set at 230 nm, which provided better reproducibility with minimum or no interference.

Method validation

The validity of the proposed methods was assessed by studying the following parameters in accordance to ICH guideline [16]: Linearity, range, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, selectivity, sample solution stability, system suitability and robustness.

Linearity and ranges

Under the optimum chromatographic conditions, a linear relationship was established between peak under the area in NP-TLC, RP-TLC and MLC methods and drug concentration in the range of 0.1-4 μg/spot, 0.3-4 μg/spot and 0.5-5 μg/mL respectively (Figures 8-10). The high value of correlation coefficient (r) and Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) according to the following regression equation assured the validity of the methods and their coinciding with Beer's law system as showed with other regression parameters in Table 2.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-NP-TLC-method

Figure 8: Calibration curve for NP-TLC method of AGO.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-RP-TLC-method

Figure 9: Calibration curve for RP-TLC method of AGO.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-MLC-method

Figure 10: Calibration curve for MLC method of AGO.

Parameters NP-TLC method RP-TLC method MLC method
Linearity and range (0.1-4 μg/spot) (0.3-4 μg/spot) (0.5-5 μg/mL)
Slope 3400.20 3163.79 277.58
Intercept 2149.55 585.10 134.99
Correlation coefficient(r²) 0.9997 0.9998 0.9999
LOD 0.009 μg/spot 0.017 μg/spot 0.119 μg/mL
  0.028 μg/spot 0.051 μg/spot 0.361 μg/mL

Table 2: The regression data for the determination of AGO using three methods.

Accuracy

To prove the accuracy of the proposed methods, the results of the assay of AGO in bulk by the proposed NP-TLC, RP-TLC and MLC methods were compared with those obtained using a reference HPLC method [17]. Statistical comparison using t-test and F-test revealed no significant differences between the performance of the three methods regarding the accuracy and precision, respectively as illustrated in Table 3.

For NP-TLC method For RP-TLC method For MLC method Reference method*
Conc. taken (μg/mL) Conc. found (μg/mL) % Recovery Conc. taken (μg/spot) Conc. found (μg/spot) % Recovery Conc. taken (μg/spot) Conc. found (μg/spot) % Recovery
0.5 0.502 100.47 1.0 1.000 100.03 0.5 0.508 101.60 100.23
1 0.989 98.86 1.5 1.51 101.04 1.5 1.528 101.83 100.82
2 2.026 101.31 2.0 1.965 98.26 2.5 2.486 99.43 101.80
3 3.028 100.93 2.5 2.515 100.58 3.5 3.502 100.05 101.71
4 4.015 100.36 3.0 3.028 100.93 5 5.015 100.30 101.15
Mean± RSD 100.39 ± 0.930 100.17 ± 1.135 100.64 ± 1.027 101.14 ± 0.643
t-test 0.1758 (2.3060)** 0.1349 0.3972 -
F-test 2.0610 (6.3882)** 3.0573 2.5275 -

Table 3: Accuracy of the proposed TLC and MLC methods for the determination of AGO. *Each result is the average of three separate determinations [17], **Values between parentheses are the tabulated t and F values at n=5 and p=0.05 [18].

Precision

Repeatability was achieved by three replicate determinations of 0.5, 1.5 and 3 μg/spot, 1, 1.5, 2 μg/spot and 1, 2.5 and 5 μg/mL for NP-TLC, RP-TLC and MLC methods, respectively on three successive times in the same day. Intermediate precision was performed as repeatability but on three successive days. Small values of %error and %RSD revealed the precision of the proposed method. The results are illustrated in Table 4.

Parameters For NP-TLC method For RP-TLC method For MLC method
Repeatability
% Found ± SD
% RSD
% Error
100.70 ± 1.321
1.311
0.437
99.55 ± 0.824
0.827
0.276
100.17 ± 0.973
0.972
0.324
Intermediate precision
% Found ± SD
% RSD
% Error
100.05 ± 1.146
1.145
0.382
99.56 ± 1.256
1.262
0.419
101.07 ± 1.144
1.131
0.377

Table 4: Precision data of the proposed TLC and MLC methods for the determination of AGO.

Specificity

The Specificity of the proposed NP-TLC, RP-TLC and MLC methods were established by their ability to determine AGO in commercial tablets without interference from common tablet additives. The common tablets additives did not show any interfering peaks at the retention times or RF values of the drug. The results are illustrated in Table 5. Forced degradation studies were also performed to assess the validity of the methods. The results obtained indicated that the three methods are specific and able to determine AGO in presence of its degradation products.

Parameters For NP-TLC method For RP-TLC method For MLC method Reference method**
Mean% ± SD 101.53 ± 1.299 101.34 ± 0.970 99.97 ± 1.173 100.94 ± 1.031
N 5 5 5 5
Variance 1.688 0.941 1.672 1.063
t-test 0.4466 (2.3060)* 0.5459 0.6106 -
F-test 1.5882 (6.3882)* 1.1296 1.5730 -

Table 5: Application of the proposed TLC and MLC methods for the determination of AGO in tablets. *Values between parentheses are the tabulated t and F values at p=0.05 [18]; **Reference method is the company method [17].

Sample solution stability

Evaluation of the stability of AGO solution was achieved by quantification of AGO on three successive days and comparison to freshly prepared solution. No significant changes were observed in standard solution response, proved that it was stable up to 3 days when kept stored in refrigerator.

Robustness

For NP-TLC method: Small changes in the mobile phase composition of ethyl acetate- methanol-ammonia (33%) (8.4:1.2:0.4 v/v/v)and (8.6:0.8:0.6 v/v/v), saturation time (10 ± 1 min.) and different wavelengths (229±1 nm) were introduced, then examining their effects on the obtained results.

For RP-TLC method: Small changes in the mobile phase composition of 0.1% TEA: Acetonitril (6.2:3.8, v/v) and (5.8.:4.2, v/v), saturation time (15 ± 1 min.) and different wavelengths (280 ± 1 nm) were studied showing no effects on the obtained results.

For MLC method: Small changes in concentration of butan-1-ol (15 ± 0.5%, v/v), concentration of TEA (0.2 ± 0.05%), PH of the mobile phase (3 ± 0.1) and wavelength (230 ± 1 nm) were studied. The efficiency of the separation of AGO was not affected indicating the robustness of the proposed MLC method.

Therefore, all methods are robust to the small changes in experimental conditions.

Applications

Application of the proposed TLC and MLC methods for the determination of AGO in tablet: The developed methods were applied successfully for the assay of AGO in commercial tablets. The results obtained were statistically compared with those of the reference HPLC method [17] using the t-test and F-test. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the developed and reference methods regarding accuracy and precision as illustrated in Table 5.

Application of standard addition technique for the determination of AGO in its tablet: Validity of the proposed methods was also assessed using the standard addition technique by adding known different amounts of bulk powder AGO to a known concentration of the tablets. The good recoveries assured the accuracy of the methods (Table 6).

For NP-TLC method For RP-TLC method For MLC method
Claimed amount taken (µg/spot) pure added (µg/ spot) % Recovery Claimed amount taken (µg/spot) pure added (µg/ spot) % Recovery Claimed amount taken (µg/mL) pure added (µg/mL) % Recovery
0.5 0.5 98.09 1 0.5 99.94 1 0.5 100.63
1 98.01 1 100.93 1 100.10
1.5 99.10 2 100.00 2 98.81
Mean ± SD 98.40 ± 0.604 100.29 ± 0.555 99.85 ± 0.939

Table 6: Application of standard addition technique for the determination of AGO in its drug product by the proposed TLC and MLC methods.

Results of Stress Testing Studies

Stability testing of AGO was performed under various stress conditions according to ICH guidelines [16] in order to assure the selectivity and provide an indication of the stability-indicating properties of the three methods.

The studied compound is found to be highly labile to acidic and alkaline hydrolysis as illustrated in (Figures 11 and 12) respectively by MLC method and (Figures 13 and 14) respectively by RP-TLC method. Exposure of AGO tablets to oxidative degradation by 5% v/v H2O2 was illustrated in Figure 15 by RP-TLC method. AGO did not exhibit any degradation peaks that could interfere with the proposed MLC and RP-TLC methods.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-Acid-forced

Figure 11: Acid forced degradation chromatogram of AGO by MLC method.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-Alkali-forced

Figure 12: Alkali forced degradation chromatogram of AGO by MLC method.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-degradation-chromatogram

Figure 13: Acid forced degradation chromatogram of AGO by RP-TLC method.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-Alkali-forced

Figure 14: Alkali forced degradation chromatogram of AGO by RP-TLC method.

pharmaceutica-analytica-acta-Oxidative-forced

Figure 15: Oxidative forced degradation chromatogram of AGO by RP-TLC method.

Conclusion

The proposed MLC, NP-TLC and RP-TLC methods represent accurate and sensitive stabilityindicating assay for identification and quantification of AGO in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form. All validation parameters were found to be highly satisfactory. Hence, the method was successfully validated in accordance with ICH guidelines. It can be conveniently used for routine QC analysis and stability studies of AGO without any interference from excipients and degradation products.

Acknowledgment

The authors are thankful to Raw Material Lab. Staff in National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR) for providing analytical facilities.

References

Citation: Rizk M, Taha EA, El-Alamin MMA, Sayed YM (2017) Stability-Indicating Chromatographic Methods for Determination of Agomelatine in Drug Substance and Drug Product. Pharm Anal Acta 8:531.

Copyright: © 2017 Rizk M, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.