**1. Introduction**

384 Chromatography – The Most Versatile Method of Chemical Analysis

A 2006; 1102 (1-2), 256-267.

Biotechnol. 2006; 81 1441-1446.

Res. 2009; 48 4145-4154.

3606.

754-758.

(6) 1411-1417.

[37] Mutelet, F. & Jaubert, J.-N. Accurate measurements of thermodynamic properties of solutes in ionic liquids using inverse gas chromatography. Journal of Chromatography

[38] Domańska, U. & Marciniak, A. Activity coefficients at infinite dilution measurements for organic solutes and water in the ionic liquid triethylsulphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics 2009; 41 (6)

[39] Krummen, M.; Wasserscheid, P. & Gmehling, J. Measurement of activity coefficients at infinite dilution in ionic liquids using the dilutor technique. J. Chem. Eng. Data 2002; 47

[40] Poole, C.F. & Poole, S.K. Extraction of organic compounds with room temperature ionic

[41] Abraham, M.H.; Zissimos, A.M.; Huddleston, J.G.; Willauer, H.D.; Rogers, R.D. & Acree, W.E., Jr. Some novel liquid partitioning systems: Water-ionic liquids and

[42] Acree, W.E., Jr. & Abraham, M.H. The analysis of solvation in ionic liquids and organic solvents using the Abraham model linear free energy relationship. J. Chem. Technol.

[43] Sprunger, L.; Clark, M.; Acree, W.E., Jr. & Abraham, M.H. Characterization of roomtemperature ionic liquids by the Abraham model with cation-specific and anion-specific

[44] Sprunger, L.M.; Proctor, A.; Acree, W.E., Jr. & Abraham, M.H. LFER correlations for room temperature ionic liquids: Separation of equation coefficients into individual cation-specific and anion-specific contributions. Fluid Phase Equilib. 2008; 265 104-111. [45] Sprunger, L.M.; Achi, S.S.; Acree Jr. W.E.; Abraham, M.H.; Leo, A.J. & Hoekman, D. Correlation and prediction of solute transfer to chloroalkanes from both water and the

[46] Sprunger, L.M.; Gibbs, J.; Proctor, A.; Acree Jr., W.E.; Abraham, M.H.; Meng, Y.; Yao, C. & Anderson, J.L. Linear free energy relationship correlations for room temperature ionic liquids: revised cation-specific and anion-specific equation coefficients for predictive applications covering a much larger area of chemical space. Ind. Eng. Chem.

[47] Mutelet, F; Ortega-Villa V.; Moise J.-C. Acree Jr., W.E. & Baker, G.A. Prediction of Partition Coefficients of Organic Compounds in Ionic Liquids Using a Temperature-Dependent Linear Solvation Energy Relationship with Parameters Calculated through a Group Contribution Method Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data 2011; 56 3598-

liquids. Journal of Chromatography A 2010; 1217 (16) 2268-2286.

aqueous biphasic systems. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2003; 42 413-418.

equation coefficients. J. Chem. Inf. Model. 2007; 47, 1123-1129.

gas phase. Fluid Phase Equilib. 2009; 281 144-162.

Statins are now among the most frequently prescribed agents for reducing morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular diseases (Figure 1) and analysis of these drugs is a current problem. The major therapeutic action of statin drugs is reduction of circulating atherogenic lipoproteins as a result of inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase [1]. The key enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a critical intermediary in the cholesterol biosynthesis. This mechanism was discovered in 1976, when Endo and co-workers isolated a compound mevastatin from *Penicillium citrinum* that exhibited cholesterol-lowering effects [2]. Clinical studies have shown that statins significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and death in patients with proven coronary artery disease, and can also reduce cardiac events in patients with high cholesterol levels [3]. Beside lipid-lowering activity, statins improve endothelial function, maintain plaque stability and prevent thrombus formation. There is also an increased interest in statins non-lipid activities such as an anti-inflammatory action [4].

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in middle- and high-income countries, killing over 7 million people each year. Cardiovascular disease has no geographic, gender or socio-economic boundaries, and will remain the leading cause of death globally in the future. Therefore, the development of new analytical methods for statin drugs is of great importance. Analytical methods are employed through entire life cycle of a drug, from design and manufacture, elucidating the mechanism of biotransformation, clinical trials, dosage scheme adjustment, its introduction into the marketplace, quality control and pharmacovigilance to drug recycling and disposal with emphasis on environmental protection.

© 2012 Nigović et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2012 Nigović et al., licensee InTech. This is a paper distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Statins can be grouped into fermentation-derived and chemically synthesized. Lovastatin, also called mevinolin, was isolated as secondary metabolite of fermentation process of various fungi such as *Aspergillus terreus*, *Monascus ruber* and *Penicillium* species [5, 6]. Lovastatin was the first commercially available compound for treatment of hypercholesterolemia, approved for use in 1987. It is produced biosynthetically from the fungus *Aspergillus terreus*. Whereas lovastatin is a natural product, simvastatin and pravastatin are semi-synthetic. Simvastatin is obtained by synthesis from lovastatin by replacement of 2-methylbutyryl side chain with 2,2-dimethylbutyryl group, while pravastatin is produced by microbial hydroxylation of mevastatin by *Strepromyces carbophilus*. Fluvastatin, atorvastatin, pitavastatin and rosuvastatin are completely synthetic compounds. Although all statins share a common mechanism of action and structural component that is very similar to the HMG portion of HMG-CoA reductase, they differ in terms of their chemical structures (Figure 1). The statins differ from each other in the rigid, hydrophobic structures covalently linked to the HMG-like moiety. The naturally derived statins contain a substituted decalin ring structure. Only pravastatin has a hydroxyl substituent on the hexahydronaphthalene nucleus which causes higher hydrophilicity. Fully synthetic statins have fluorophenyl groups linked to the HMG-like moiety. Depending upon chemical structure, statins have different affinities for HMG-CoA reductase and different pharmacokinetic properties [7]. Clinical trials have demonstrated rosuvastatin to be the most effective in reducing LDL cholesterol. In addition to the standard statin pharmacophore, rosuvastatin molecule contains a polar methyl sulfonamide group that forms a unique interaction with the catalytic site of HMG-CoA reductase. Cerivastatin was a synthetic statin drug, approved in 1997. Unfortunately, due to its fatal rhabdomyolysis, as a sever side effect, it was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in 2001.

A Review of Current Trends and Advances in Analytical Methods for Determination of Statins: Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis 387

methods should be designed for the simultaneous quantification of two analytes that can

Statins are considered for long-term therapy and thus the purity assessment of these drugs is of great significance. Development of selective methods for monitoring their potential impurities and degradation products is highly required. Identification and determination of drug-related substances is an important aspect because impurities and degradation products of drugs are often responsible for some side-effects. The estimation of the impurity profiles of bulk drugs or dosage formulations requires methods involving high sensitivity and resolution as well as acceptable analysis time. The hyphenated technique that incorporates the efficient separation using liquid chromatography and specific and sensitive detection by mass spectrometry has become indispensable tool for identification and structure elucidation of unknown impurities in statin drugs as well as quantification of trace

Various chromatographic methods for determination of statins and their related impurities in the bulk drug forms and pharmaceutical formulations were developed. Almost all methods used for the separation of statins are based on high-performance liquid chromatography. In pharmaceutical applications UV detection was most commonly used. Analytical methods for determination of statins were developed individually as expected from their different structural and chemical properties. This approach to the analysis was chosen most probably because statins are not used in combination with other statin molecules during therapy. However, the development of a rapid analytical procedure that is not limited to the analysis of only one statin can be considered as a very useful assessment in quality control. Numerous chromatographic methods for quantification of statins in different biological fluids were developed. The levels of statins in biological fluids are very low because only about 5% of dosed statin reaches the systematic circulation. The liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry has become the method of choice for therapeutic plasma level monitoring of statins and their metabolites in pharmacokinetic investigations [10]. Generally, hyperlipidemic patients are treated with multiple-drug regime which commonly leads to drug interaction. The simultaneous determination of statins and drugs usually combined in cardiovasculary therapy in human plasma is important to get more insight in their possible interactions with a consequent increased risk to toxic effects. Due to different physical and chemical properties of co-administrated drugs

development of methods for their simultaneous analysis is an over going challenge.

This chapter will present recent advances in chromatographic and capillary electrophoretic methods for the determination of statin drugs in various fields of application. Current trends in developing new methods for analysis of the most frequently used drugs will be

Pharmaceutical analysis provides information on the identity, purity, content and stability of starting material, excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). A distinction is

potentially undergo interconversion during analysis.

impurity levels.

discussed.

**2. Pharmaceutical application** 

Statins exist in two forms, lactone and open-ring hydroxy acid forms. Lovastatin and simvastatin are administered as lactone prodrugs and subsequently transformed to active metabolites in contrast to other statins, which are formulated in the pharmacologically active β-hydroxy acid form. *In vivo*, lactone prodrugs are enzymatically hydrolyzed to their hydroxy acid pharmacophores in the liver to achieve pharmacological activity [8]. The lactone forms can be converted in aqueous solutions to their corresponding hydroxy acid equilibrium products. Such interconversion may occur even in the biological matrix before collecting aliquots of the sample, during sample preparation and analysis of the drug. Therefore, it is crucial to optimize the multiple steps of the analytical method in order to minimize the interconversion during the analysis. On the other hand, statins in β-hydroxy acid form possess two hydroxyl groups in an alkyl chain at the β and δ positions with respect to the carboxylic acid group. The carboxylic acid group and the hydroxyl group at the δ position are prone to lactonize. Therefore, all statins may exist in solutions in the free acid form or the lactone form or as an equilibrium mixture of both forms in a pH-dependent manner [9]. For samples of hydroxy acid and lactone forms, maintaining the pH of solution around 4-5 minimizes interconversion. Increasing the pH above 6 facilitates the conversion of lactone to acid, whereas lowering pH enables the conversion from acid to lactone or lactone to acid in the non-ionized form. Consequently, great care must be exercised when handling these compounds in order to isolate them in high yields and the analytical methods should be designed for the simultaneous quantification of two analytes that can potentially undergo interconversion during analysis.

Statins are considered for long-term therapy and thus the purity assessment of these drugs is of great significance. Development of selective methods for monitoring their potential impurities and degradation products is highly required. Identification and determination of drug-related substances is an important aspect because impurities and degradation products of drugs are often responsible for some side-effects. The estimation of the impurity profiles of bulk drugs or dosage formulations requires methods involving high sensitivity and resolution as well as acceptable analysis time. The hyphenated technique that incorporates the efficient separation using liquid chromatography and specific and sensitive detection by mass spectrometry has become indispensable tool for identification and structure elucidation of unknown impurities in statin drugs as well as quantification of trace impurity levels.

Various chromatographic methods for determination of statins and their related impurities in the bulk drug forms and pharmaceutical formulations were developed. Almost all methods used for the separation of statins are based on high-performance liquid chromatography. In pharmaceutical applications UV detection was most commonly used. Analytical methods for determination of statins were developed individually as expected from their different structural and chemical properties. This approach to the analysis was chosen most probably because statins are not used in combination with other statin molecules during therapy. However, the development of a rapid analytical procedure that is not limited to the analysis of only one statin can be considered as a very useful assessment in quality control. Numerous chromatographic methods for quantification of statins in different biological fluids were developed. The levels of statins in biological fluids are very low because only about 5% of dosed statin reaches the systematic circulation. The liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry has become the method of choice for therapeutic plasma level monitoring of statins and their metabolites in pharmacokinetic investigations [10]. Generally, hyperlipidemic patients are treated with multiple-drug regime which commonly leads to drug interaction. The simultaneous determination of statins and drugs usually combined in cardiovasculary therapy in human plasma is important to get more insight in their possible interactions with a consequent increased risk to toxic effects. Due to different physical and chemical properties of co-administrated drugs development of methods for their simultaneous analysis is an over going challenge.

This chapter will present recent advances in chromatographic and capillary electrophoretic methods for the determination of statin drugs in various fields of application. Current trends in developing new methods for analysis of the most frequently used drugs will be discussed.

## **2. Pharmaceutical application**

386 Chromatography – The Most Versatile Method of Chemical Analysis

Statins can be grouped into fermentation-derived and chemically synthesized. Lovastatin, also called mevinolin, was isolated as secondary metabolite of fermentation process of various fungi such as *Aspergillus terreus*, *Monascus ruber* and *Penicillium* species [5, 6]. Lovastatin was the first commercially available compound for treatment of hypercholesterolemia, approved for use in 1987. It is produced biosynthetically from the fungus *Aspergillus terreus*. Whereas lovastatin is a natural product, simvastatin and pravastatin are semi-synthetic. Simvastatin is obtained by synthesis from lovastatin by replacement of 2-methylbutyryl side chain with 2,2-dimethylbutyryl group, while pravastatin is produced by microbial hydroxylation of mevastatin by *Strepromyces carbophilus*. Fluvastatin, atorvastatin, pitavastatin and rosuvastatin are completely synthetic compounds. Although all statins share a common mechanism of action and structural component that is very similar to the HMG portion of HMG-CoA reductase, they differ in terms of their chemical structures (Figure 1). The statins differ from each other in the rigid, hydrophobic structures covalently linked to the HMG-like moiety. The naturally derived statins contain a substituted decalin ring structure. Only pravastatin has a hydroxyl substituent on the hexahydronaphthalene nucleus which causes higher hydrophilicity. Fully synthetic statins have fluorophenyl groups linked to the HMG-like moiety. Depending upon chemical structure, statins have different affinities for HMG-CoA reductase and different pharmacokinetic properties [7]. Clinical trials have demonstrated rosuvastatin to be the most effective in reducing LDL cholesterol. In addition to the standard statin pharmacophore, rosuvastatin molecule contains a polar methyl sulfonamide group that forms a unique interaction with the catalytic site of HMG-CoA reductase. Cerivastatin was a synthetic statin drug, approved in 1997. Unfortunately, due to its fatal rhabdomyolysis, as a

sever side effect, it was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in 2001.

Statins exist in two forms, lactone and open-ring hydroxy acid forms. Lovastatin and simvastatin are administered as lactone prodrugs and subsequently transformed to active metabolites in contrast to other statins, which are formulated in the pharmacologically active β-hydroxy acid form. *In vivo*, lactone prodrugs are enzymatically hydrolyzed to their hydroxy acid pharmacophores in the liver to achieve pharmacological activity [8]. The lactone forms can be converted in aqueous solutions to their corresponding hydroxy acid equilibrium products. Such interconversion may occur even in the biological matrix before collecting aliquots of the sample, during sample preparation and analysis of the drug. Therefore, it is crucial to optimize the multiple steps of the analytical method in order to minimize the interconversion during the analysis. On the other hand, statins in β-hydroxy acid form possess two hydroxyl groups in an alkyl chain at the β and δ positions with respect to the carboxylic acid group. The carboxylic acid group and the hydroxyl group at the δ position are prone to lactonize. Therefore, all statins may exist in solutions in the free acid form or the lactone form or as an equilibrium mixture of both forms in a pH-dependent manner [9]. For samples of hydroxy acid and lactone forms, maintaining the pH of solution around 4-5 minimizes interconversion. Increasing the pH above 6 facilitates the conversion of lactone to acid, whereas lowering pH enables the conversion from acid to lactone or lactone to acid in the non-ionized form. Consequently, great care must be exercised when handling these compounds in order to isolate them in high yields and the analytical

Pharmaceutical analysis provides information on the identity, purity, content and stability of starting material, excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). A distinction is

made between analysis of the pure active ingredients and pharmaceutical formulations. Specification and test methods for the commonly used API and excipients are described in detail in pharmacopoeias.

A Review of Current Trends and Advances in Analytical Methods for Determination of Statins: Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis 389

CH3

COOH

OH OH

COOH

N

PITAVASTATIN

N H3C CH3 OH OH

F

OH

F

FLUVASTATIN

<sup>O</sup> OH OH

COOH

cardiovascular disease, i.e. acetylsalicylic acid, antihypertensive medicines (ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers), but also in combined therapy of multiple disorders, e.g. antidiabetics, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other analgetics, antibiotics etc. In order to avoid problems with patient compliance when a combination of acetylsalicylic acid, antihypertensives, lipid-lowering drugs and etc. is required, a polypill, a fixed-dose combination containing three or more drugs in a single pill, would be the solution. Methods describing simultaneous analysis of these combined pharmaceutical

HO

N N N

H3C O S O CH3

CH3

O HO <sup>O</sup>

H

COOH

O

O

H3C

OH OH

H3C H3C CH3

CH3 H3C

ROSUVASTATIN

The first statin registered as a drug was lovastatin. Nowadays, in therapy it is greatly replaced by new synthetic products, mainly atorvastatin and simvastatin. Therefore there are not many new methods for determination and quantification of lovastatin in bulk drug

There are scarce reports investigating the conversion of statins from lactone to their corresponding hydroxy acid forms. Yang and Hwang studied the conversion of lovastatin and simvastatin from lactone to corresponding hydroxy acid forms [11]. They concluded that the conversion of lactone forms to corresponding hydroxy acid forms would occur in water or 70% acetonitrile. However, this conversion could be retarded by addition of acetic acid to the solution. Hence a mobile phase with acetic acid added to the composition is recommended for HPLC analysis. Furthermore, lactone forms could only be transformed to their corresponding hydroxy acid forms in 0.1 M NaOH or 0.05 M KOH prepared in 25% or 50% acetonitrile in water. When alkaline methanolic solutions were used further transformation to methyl ester of hydroxy acid form would take place. Recently another paper was published investigating conversion of lovastatin [12]. The identity of all three forms, lovastatin, lovastatin hydroxy acid and its methyl ester was confirmed by

<sup>H</sup> H3C <sup>O</sup> O

CH3

OH OH

PRAVASTATIN

F

products will also be mentioned.

O HO <sup>O</sup>

CH3

LOVASTATIN SIMVASTATIN

N

ATORVASTATIN

**Figure 1.** Chemical structures of statins

and pharmaceutical formulations.

H3C CH3 O N H

F

H

O

O

H3C

**2.1. Lovastatin** 

H3C H3C H

Impurity profiling is of great importance in new drug substance and new drug product because of their potential unwanted pharmacological effects, possible toxicity, side effects, and their eventual impact on the activity, efficacy and the stability of the drug, its bioavailability and the results of the drug analysis. International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) gives strict regulatory guidelines for identification and quantification of trace impurities in drugs. Any compound that does not have the same chemical entity as the active substance, present at levels higher than 0.1% or 0.05% (depending on the daily dose), needs to be identified. Therefore there is a permanent need for developing new accurate, selective, and sensitive methods for the determination of drug impurities. Impurities can come from starting materials, they can be intermediars and by-products from the synthesis of the API (process related impurities), degradation products formed during manufacturing process and long-term storage, interaction products between API and other active ingredients and excipients or primary container.

Stability indicating methods are quantitative test methods that can detect changes of API and drug products during time and under certain conditions. Information on type and amount of degradation products over time is important for quality, safety and efficacy of the drug. Therefore, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency and other regulatory agencies, along ICH and good manufacturing practise require development and validation of stability indicating methods. General purpose of stability testing is to provide evidence on how the quality of an API or a finished pharmaceutical product changes during time under the influence of different environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and light. After these tests have been performed, recommendation on storage conditions and shelf life of the product can be given. ICH guidelines give detailed description of forced decomposition studies (stress testing). Stress testing of the API can help identify possible degradation products. It should include the effect of temperature (in 10 °C increments), humidity (≥ 75% relative humidity), oxidation, photolysis and hydrolysis of the API at a wide range of pH (acidic, neutral and alkali conditions).

In this section a review of chromatographic methods applied for identification and quantification of statins in bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage forms will be given (Table 1). Each statin commercially available on the market will be covered in this review. Special emphasis will be given to stability indicating methods and papers describing impurity profiling.

Statins are often manufactured in combined pharmaceutical formulations together with ramipril, acetylsalicylic acid, amlodipine etc., and especially ezetimibe, a novel lipidlowering agent that inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine by blocking Niemann-Pick C1-like protein cholesterol transporter. A synergic effect in reducing plasma concentrations of LDL cholesterol is achieved, mainly by the combination of statin and ezetimibe. Since statins are often co-administered with other drugs in therapy of cardiovascular disease, i.e. acetylsalicylic acid, antihypertensive medicines (ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers), but also in combined therapy of multiple disorders, e.g. antidiabetics, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other analgetics, antibiotics etc. In order to avoid problems with patient compliance when a combination of acetylsalicylic acid, antihypertensives, lipid-lowering drugs and etc. is required, a polypill, a fixed-dose combination containing three or more drugs in a single pill, would be the solution. Methods describing simultaneous analysis of these combined pharmaceutical products will also be mentioned.

**Figure 1.** Chemical structures of statins

## **2.1. Lovastatin**

388 Chromatography – The Most Versatile Method of Chemical Analysis

active ingredients and excipients or primary container.

detail in pharmacopoeias.

profiling.

made between analysis of the pure active ingredients and pharmaceutical formulations. Specification and test methods for the commonly used API and excipients are described in

Impurity profiling is of great importance in new drug substance and new drug product because of their potential unwanted pharmacological effects, possible toxicity, side effects, and their eventual impact on the activity, efficacy and the stability of the drug, its bioavailability and the results of the drug analysis. International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) gives strict regulatory guidelines for identification and quantification of trace impurities in drugs. Any compound that does not have the same chemical entity as the active substance, present at levels higher than 0.1% or 0.05% (depending on the daily dose), needs to be identified. Therefore there is a permanent need for developing new accurate, selective, and sensitive methods for the determination of drug impurities. Impurities can come from starting materials, they can be intermediars and by-products from the synthesis of the API (process related impurities), degradation products formed during manufacturing process and long-term storage, interaction products between API and other

Stability indicating methods are quantitative test methods that can detect changes of API and drug products during time and under certain conditions. Information on type and amount of degradation products over time is important for quality, safety and efficacy of the drug. Therefore, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency and other regulatory agencies, along ICH and good manufacturing practise require development and validation of stability indicating methods. General purpose of stability testing is to provide evidence on how the quality of an API or a finished pharmaceutical product changes during time under the influence of different environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and light. After these tests have been performed, recommendation on storage conditions and shelf life of the product can be given. ICH guidelines give detailed description of forced decomposition studies (stress testing). Stress testing of the API can help identify possible degradation products. It should include the effect of temperature (in 10 °C increments), humidity (≥ 75% relative humidity), oxidation, photolysis and

hydrolysis of the API at a wide range of pH (acidic, neutral and alkali conditions).

In this section a review of chromatographic methods applied for identification and quantification of statins in bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage forms will be given (Table 1). Each statin commercially available on the market will be covered in this review. Special emphasis will be given to stability indicating methods and papers describing impurity

Statins are often manufactured in combined pharmaceutical formulations together with ramipril, acetylsalicylic acid, amlodipine etc., and especially ezetimibe, a novel lipidlowering agent that inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine by blocking Niemann-Pick C1-like protein cholesterol transporter. A synergic effect in reducing plasma concentrations of LDL cholesterol is achieved, mainly by the combination of statin and ezetimibe. Since statins are often co-administered with other drugs in therapy of The first statin registered as a drug was lovastatin. Nowadays, in therapy it is greatly replaced by new synthetic products, mainly atorvastatin and simvastatin. Therefore there are not many new methods for determination and quantification of lovastatin in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulations.

There are scarce reports investigating the conversion of statins from lactone to their corresponding hydroxy acid forms. Yang and Hwang studied the conversion of lovastatin and simvastatin from lactone to corresponding hydroxy acid forms [11]. They concluded that the conversion of lactone forms to corresponding hydroxy acid forms would occur in water or 70% acetonitrile. However, this conversion could be retarded by addition of acetic acid to the solution. Hence a mobile phase with acetic acid added to the composition is recommended for HPLC analysis. Furthermore, lactone forms could only be transformed to their corresponding hydroxy acid forms in 0.1 M NaOH or 0.05 M KOH prepared in 25% or 50% acetonitrile in water. When alkaline methanolic solutions were used further transformation to methyl ester of hydroxy acid form would take place. Recently another paper was published investigating conversion of lovastatin [12]. The identity of all three forms, lovastatin, lovastatin hydroxy acid and its methyl ester was confirmed by

electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS). Their results imply that also under acidic conditions, with increase of storage time, lactone is converted to hydroxy acid form and further transformed to methyl ester form.

A Review of Current Trends and Advances in Analytical Methods for Determination of Statins: Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis 391

monolithic column, 10 cm in length and reducing the pH to 3.0, a reduction in elution time was about 60%, resulting in analysis time less than 4 min. Method was applied to determine the quality of 60 compounding simvastatin 40 mg capsules. The mean content and weight variation evaluation, content uniformity, determination of simvastatin concentration, determination of lovastatin as an impurity and the dissolution test were performed. Results were devastating. The mean content of the capsules varied from 70 mg to 316 mg. In ten Brazilian pharmacies more than one tested capsule was outside the range from 85-115%. Only three pharmacies presented content uniformity with values complying to reference ones. Capsules from all the pharmacies resulted in simvastatin content less than 100% of the declared value. In 6 of them the content ranged from 4-87% of the declared amount. These results do not meet the requirements for simvastatin contents, resulting in underdosing. These appalling results emphasize the need for the control of raw material, compounding

Tablet splitting is a somewhat controversial topic among pharmacy practitioners, patients, managed care organizations and many other associations involved in health care. However it has become increasingly common, especially within geriatric and psychiatry communities. There are many concerns surrounding tablet splitting program, mainly if there will be considerable weight fluctuations, will the daily dose be the same in two half's, and will tablet splitting deliver same clinical outcomes at a lower cost. Hill et al. presented an HPLC-UV method, taken from the USP monograph and adapted to half-tablets, for drug content and weight uniformity for half-tablets of six commonly split medications, including simvastatin [19]. There analysis found 38.80 mg as target drug content, while the measured drug content mean was 40.06 mg, with a RSD 4.29%. Target drug content ranges from 95.21% to 111.35%. These small changes in daily dose should have no significant impact on

RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for simultaneous analysis of simvastatin and tocotrienol and tocopherols isoforms in simvastatin-tocotrienol nanoparticles manufactured as potential targeted therapy of breast cancer [20]. In order to obtain good resolution in short analysis time the separation was carried out on a Phenomenex Onyx C18

Preparation and evaluation of a high-dose nicotinic acid loaded sustained-release pellets coated with double polymer and immediate release simvastatin was introduced by Zhao and co-workers [21]. After the preparation of drug-loaded pellets, drug content analysis was performed by HPLC for both nicotinic acid and simvastatin. However, unnecessary,

There are a number of methods describing simultaneous determination of simvastatin and ezetimibe from their combination drug products [22-25]. Stability indicating studies on combined pharmaceutical products of simvastatin and ezetimibe have also been published [24, 25]. Different approaches to forced degradation study, chromatographic conditions and determination of degradation products were performed. Hefnawy and co-workers proposed a very fast and sensitive stability indicating method for simultaneous determination of

different methods, using similar columns and mobile phases, were employed.

process and finished products quality, efficacy and safety.

monolithic column (100 mm x 4.6 mm) with a gradient elution.

long-term clinical end points.

Bearing in mind the interconversion problem, special attention should be given to the choice of a mobile phase for HPLC analysis, the extraction procedure and sample storage time. Methanol in acidic conditions should be avoided because it induces the conversion and transformation of lovastatin forms. Hence, most recently developed LC methods utilize pH around 4.5.

Lovastatin is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in red yeast rice products, used as a dietary supplement. In such products lovastatin is mostly refered to as monakolin K, and is accompanied by 13 more monacolins naturally occurring in red yeast rice. These products are frequently used by millions of people as a complementary and alternative therapy for lowering total lipid and LDL cholesterol levels. Unfortunately dietary supplements do not follow strict quality control as medicines do, active ingredients are not standardized and published on labels, and considerable variations can be found among different manufactures even between lots of the same manufacture. Therefore there is a growing need for specific and precise methods for determination of lovastatin in red yeast rice dietary supplements in order to ensure standardization, efficacy and safety of these products.

Identification and chemical profiling of all 14 monacolins in red yeast rice and its formulated products was conducted using HPLC with photodiode array detecore (PDA) and MS [13]. Because red yeast rice has a complex matrix, sample extraction procedure was carried out with 75% ethanol. Chemical profiling was performed using electrospray ionization and ion trap mass analyzer. Since lovastatin content depends on the fermentation process of the rice by *Monascus purpureus*, an LC-PDA-ESI-ion trap method was published investigating differences in raw material powder and finished products [14].

A stability-indicating method for the stress test of red yeast rice was also performed [15]. An assay of seven main monacolins, monacolin K (lovastatin), monacolin J, monacolin L and their corresponding hydroxy acid forms and dehydromonacolin K, representing 97% of total monacolins, was determined. In order to shorten the analysis time Song et al. proposed a fast screening method of lovastatin in red yeast rice products by flow injection tandem mass spectrometry without LC separation [16].

## **2.2. Simvastatin**

Simvastatin is along atorvastatin the most often used statin drug and there is a great number of analytical methods developed. Novakova et al. published a review paper on HPLC methods for the determination of simvastatin and atorvastatin [17]. An oversight on different areas of application, pharmaceutical formulations, clinical medicine (human plasma) and environmental (aqueous samples) was given. A more detailed overview will be given on papers not covered by this review.

A simple HPLC-UV method was optimized according to the USP chromatographic method for simvastatin [18]. By changing the column length from 30 cm to a Chromolith RP18 monolithic column, 10 cm in length and reducing the pH to 3.0, a reduction in elution time was about 60%, resulting in analysis time less than 4 min. Method was applied to determine the quality of 60 compounding simvastatin 40 mg capsules. The mean content and weight variation evaluation, content uniformity, determination of simvastatin concentration, determination of lovastatin as an impurity and the dissolution test were performed. Results were devastating. The mean content of the capsules varied from 70 mg to 316 mg. In ten Brazilian pharmacies more than one tested capsule was outside the range from 85-115%. Only three pharmacies presented content uniformity with values complying to reference ones. Capsules from all the pharmacies resulted in simvastatin content less than 100% of the declared value. In 6 of them the content ranged from 4-87% of the declared amount. These results do not meet the requirements for simvastatin contents, resulting in underdosing. These appalling results emphasize the need for the control of raw material, compounding process and finished products quality, efficacy and safety.

390 Chromatography – The Most Versatile Method of Chemical Analysis

and further transformed to methyl ester form.

electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS). Their results imply that also under acidic conditions, with increase of storage time, lactone is converted to hydroxy acid form

Bearing in mind the interconversion problem, special attention should be given to the choice of a mobile phase for HPLC analysis, the extraction procedure and sample storage time. Methanol in acidic conditions should be avoided because it induces the conversion and transformation of

Lovastatin is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in red yeast rice products, used as a dietary supplement. In such products lovastatin is mostly refered to as monakolin K, and is accompanied by 13 more monacolins naturally occurring in red yeast rice. These products are frequently used by millions of people as a complementary and alternative therapy for lowering total lipid and LDL cholesterol levels. Unfortunately dietary supplements do not follow strict quality control as medicines do, active ingredients are not standardized and published on labels, and considerable variations can be found among different manufactures even between lots of the same manufacture. Therefore there is a growing need for specific and precise methods for determination of lovastatin in red yeast rice dietary supplements in order to ensure standardization, efficacy and safety of these products.

Identification and chemical profiling of all 14 monacolins in red yeast rice and its formulated products was conducted using HPLC with photodiode array detecore (PDA) and MS [13]. Because red yeast rice has a complex matrix, sample extraction procedure was carried out with 75% ethanol. Chemical profiling was performed using electrospray ionization and ion trap mass analyzer. Since lovastatin content depends on the fermentation process of the rice by *Monascus purpureus*, an LC-PDA-ESI-ion trap method was published investigating

A stability-indicating method for the stress test of red yeast rice was also performed [15]. An assay of seven main monacolins, monacolin K (lovastatin), monacolin J, monacolin L and their corresponding hydroxy acid forms and dehydromonacolin K, representing 97% of total monacolins, was determined. In order to shorten the analysis time Song et al. proposed a fast screening method of lovastatin in red yeast rice products by flow injection tandem mass

Simvastatin is along atorvastatin the most often used statin drug and there is a great number of analytical methods developed. Novakova et al. published a review paper on HPLC methods for the determination of simvastatin and atorvastatin [17]. An oversight on different areas of application, pharmaceutical formulations, clinical medicine (human plasma) and environmental (aqueous samples) was given. A more detailed overview will be

A simple HPLC-UV method was optimized according to the USP chromatographic method for simvastatin [18]. By changing the column length from 30 cm to a Chromolith RP18

differences in raw material powder and finished products [14].

spectrometry without LC separation [16].

given on papers not covered by this review.

**2.2. Simvastatin** 

lovastatin forms. Hence, most recently developed LC methods utilize pH around 4.5.

Tablet splitting is a somewhat controversial topic among pharmacy practitioners, patients, managed care organizations and many other associations involved in health care. However it has become increasingly common, especially within geriatric and psychiatry communities. There are many concerns surrounding tablet splitting program, mainly if there will be considerable weight fluctuations, will the daily dose be the same in two half's, and will tablet splitting deliver same clinical outcomes at a lower cost. Hill et al. presented an HPLC-UV method, taken from the USP monograph and adapted to half-tablets, for drug content and weight uniformity for half-tablets of six commonly split medications, including simvastatin [19]. There analysis found 38.80 mg as target drug content, while the measured drug content mean was 40.06 mg, with a RSD 4.29%. Target drug content ranges from 95.21% to 111.35%. These small changes in daily dose should have no significant impact on long-term clinical end points.

RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for simultaneous analysis of simvastatin and tocotrienol and tocopherols isoforms in simvastatin-tocotrienol nanoparticles manufactured as potential targeted therapy of breast cancer [20]. In order to obtain good resolution in short analysis time the separation was carried out on a Phenomenex Onyx C18 monolithic column (100 mm x 4.6 mm) with a gradient elution.

Preparation and evaluation of a high-dose nicotinic acid loaded sustained-release pellets coated with double polymer and immediate release simvastatin was introduced by Zhao and co-workers [21]. After the preparation of drug-loaded pellets, drug content analysis was performed by HPLC for both nicotinic acid and simvastatin. However, unnecessary, different methods, using similar columns and mobile phases, were employed.

There are a number of methods describing simultaneous determination of simvastatin and ezetimibe from their combination drug products [22-25]. Stability indicating studies on combined pharmaceutical products of simvastatin and ezetimibe have also been published [24, 25]. Different approaches to forced degradation study, chromatographic conditions and determination of degradation products were performed. Hefnawy and co-workers proposed a very fast and sensitive stability indicating method for simultaneous determination of

ezetimibe and simvastatin in tablet dosage form [25]. Instead of traditional chromatographic columns packed with porous particles, they used a monolithic stationary phases, i.e. RP Merck Chromolith Performance column (RP-18e, 100 mm x 4.6 mm). Due to monolithic stationary phase, an elevated flow rate is possible, resulting in a run-time five-fold reduced (analysis time under 2 min), consumption of mobile phase about two-fold decreased, while the resolution between peaks remained unaffected.

A Review of Current Trends and Advances in Analytical Methods for Determination of Statins: Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis 393

Two stability indicating studies of pravastatin under different forced degradation conditions were conducted [33, 34]. Forced degradation study was performed for neutral, acid and basic hydrolysis, chemical oxidation, photochemical degradation and thermal stress using HPLC-UV [33]. Under neutral hydrolysis a decrease in the peak area of pravastatin was observed accompanied by two additional peaks. In basic hydrolysis a 90% decrease of pravastatin peak was noted and an additional peak is obtained, while in acidic conditions pravastatin peak completely disappeared and two new signals appeared. Degradation of pravastatin was also observed under oxidative conditions, while under thermal stress no

Results obtained by Brain-Isasi et al. [34] are somewhat different then those previously published [33]. They argue that the previously described method was to short (7 min) to observe all degradation peaks obtained by acid hydrolysis while all of them are eluting after pravastatin. This indicates they are more liphophyllic than the parent drug, probably formed after esterification and lactonization of pravastatin. By the use of MS/MS spectra obtained in the positive mode, one of the peaks was identified as pravastatin lactone form. In alkaline medium only one product was observed and after preparative TLC it was isolated and identified by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR as the 8-hydroxy derivate of pravastatin.

Photodegradation study of fluvastatin has been studied and examined by highperformance-thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and spectrophotometry [35]. Photoproducts were separated by HPTLC on a nonpolar C18 stationary phase with a mixture of phosphate buffer and methanol as a mobile phase. Both in water and methanol solutions, photochemical decomposition led to the formation of three major products.

Of all seven statins, atorvastatin is the most often administered statin drug. In fact, it is one of the most often prescribed prescription drugs overall. Therefore many methods are developed for determination and quantification of atorvastatin in bulk drug and pharmaceuticals. Since Novakova et al. in 2008 [17] gave a review of HPLC methods for the determination of atorvastatin in pharmaceutical assays, only papers published afterwards

There are several stability indicating methods for determination of atorvastatin using different techniques and detectors. A RP-HPTLC method using aluminium sheets precoated with silica gel 60 RP18F(254) as the mobile phase consisted of methanol-water was used for determination of atorvastatin in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulation [36]. Quantification was conducted densitometrically at 246 nm. Under acidic conditions drug underwent significant hydrolysis, while it was stable under alkali, oxidation, dry heat and photodegradation conditions. HPLC method using fluorescence detector (282 nm excitation, 400 nm emission) was introduced for analysis of atorvastatin and its degradation products in bulk drug and tablet form [37]. HPLC method with UV detection at 247 nm was

change was percived.

**2.4. Fluvastatin** 

**2.5. Atorvastatin** 

will be presented.

Several methods have been developed for identification and quantification of known impurities, but many also studied fragmentation and structural determination of unknown simvastatin impurities [26-29]. Structural characterization and identification of a new compound, an unknown simvastatin by-product generated during the industrial synthesis starting from lovastatin was published [26]. After HPLC-diode array detector (DAD) analysis, ESI-ion trap mass analyzer was employed to obtain MS/MS spectra, followed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis.

Plumb et al. [27] proposed a method using high resolution sub 2 μm particle LC column together with hybrid quadrupole orthogonal time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer used to profile and identify simvastatin impurities. All common impurites were identified in a single 10 min run. A new impurity of simvastatin was detected and identified as the saturated ring form of simvastatin. The same group published a paper on screening pharmaceutical products by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to TOF-MS [28]. Principal components statistical analysis was used for rapid classification of batches of simvastatin tablets according to their impurity profile.

Reddy et al. [29] performed HPLC separation of simvastatin and its two main impurities, anhydro-simvastatin and simvastatin dimmer. An unknown impurity was detected. MS/MS spectrum was obtained by ESI+ and ion-trap mass analyzer and the structure of the so far unknown simvastatin impurity was proposed. Recently, a paper on synthesis, characterization and quantification of simvastatin's metabolites and impurities was published [30]. This method emphasizes use of non-compendial reference standards for quantification, with shorter analysis time and improved sensitivity. β-hydroxy acid and methyl ester of simvastatin were synthesized as non-compendial reference standards. After complete and detailed characterization by MS, FT-IR and NMR, they were used as reference standards in quantification of simvastatin impurities.

## **2.3. Pravastatin**

An HPLC method for quantification of pravastatin in tablets was published [31]. However, an unnecessary complicated extraction procedure and linearity investigation was performed. Identification of an impurity in pravastatin was performed by application of collision-activated decomposition mass spectra both in positive and negative ionization mode [32]. The impurity is an analogue of pravastatin with an additional methyl group on ester side chain.

Two stability indicating studies of pravastatin under different forced degradation conditions were conducted [33, 34]. Forced degradation study was performed for neutral, acid and basic hydrolysis, chemical oxidation, photochemical degradation and thermal stress using HPLC-UV [33]. Under neutral hydrolysis a decrease in the peak area of pravastatin was observed accompanied by two additional peaks. In basic hydrolysis a 90% decrease of pravastatin peak was noted and an additional peak is obtained, while in acidic conditions pravastatin peak completely disappeared and two new signals appeared. Degradation of pravastatin was also observed under oxidative conditions, while under thermal stress no change was percived.

Results obtained by Brain-Isasi et al. [34] are somewhat different then those previously published [33]. They argue that the previously described method was to short (7 min) to observe all degradation peaks obtained by acid hydrolysis while all of them are eluting after pravastatin. This indicates they are more liphophyllic than the parent drug, probably formed after esterification and lactonization of pravastatin. By the use of MS/MS spectra obtained in the positive mode, one of the peaks was identified as pravastatin lactone form. In alkaline medium only one product was observed and after preparative TLC it was isolated and identified by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR as the 8-hydroxy derivate of pravastatin.

## **2.4. Fluvastatin**

392 Chromatography – The Most Versatile Method of Chemical Analysis

the resolution between peaks remained unaffected.

batches of simvastatin tablets according to their impurity profile.

standards in quantification of simvastatin impurities.

analysis.

**2.3. Pravastatin** 

ester side chain.

ezetimibe and simvastatin in tablet dosage form [25]. Instead of traditional chromatographic columns packed with porous particles, they used a monolithic stationary phases, i.e. RP Merck Chromolith Performance column (RP-18e, 100 mm x 4.6 mm). Due to monolithic stationary phase, an elevated flow rate is possible, resulting in a run-time five-fold reduced (analysis time under 2 min), consumption of mobile phase about two-fold decreased, while

Several methods have been developed for identification and quantification of known impurities, but many also studied fragmentation and structural determination of unknown simvastatin impurities [26-29]. Structural characterization and identification of a new compound, an unknown simvastatin by-product generated during the industrial synthesis starting from lovastatin was published [26]. After HPLC-diode array detector (DAD) analysis, ESI-ion trap mass analyzer was employed to obtain MS/MS spectra, followed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Plumb et al. [27] proposed a method using high resolution sub 2 μm particle LC column together with hybrid quadrupole orthogonal time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer used to profile and identify simvastatin impurities. All common impurites were identified in a single 10 min run. A new impurity of simvastatin was detected and identified as the saturated ring form of simvastatin. The same group published a paper on screening pharmaceutical products by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to TOF-MS [28]. Principal components statistical analysis was used for rapid classification of

Reddy et al. [29] performed HPLC separation of simvastatin and its two main impurities, anhydro-simvastatin and simvastatin dimmer. An unknown impurity was detected. MS/MS spectrum was obtained by ESI+ and ion-trap mass analyzer and the structure of the so far unknown simvastatin impurity was proposed. Recently, a paper on synthesis, characterization and quantification of simvastatin's metabolites and impurities was published [30]. This method emphasizes use of non-compendial reference standards for quantification, with shorter analysis time and improved sensitivity. β-hydroxy acid and methyl ester of simvastatin were synthesized as non-compendial reference standards. After complete and detailed characterization by MS, FT-IR and NMR, they were used as reference

An HPLC method for quantification of pravastatin in tablets was published [31]. However, an unnecessary complicated extraction procedure and linearity investigation was performed. Identification of an impurity in pravastatin was performed by application of collision-activated decomposition mass spectra both in positive and negative ionization mode [32]. The impurity is an analogue of pravastatin with an additional methyl group on Photodegradation study of fluvastatin has been studied and examined by highperformance-thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and spectrophotometry [35]. Photoproducts were separated by HPTLC on a nonpolar C18 stationary phase with a mixture of phosphate buffer and methanol as a mobile phase. Both in water and methanol solutions, photochemical decomposition led to the formation of three major products.

## **2.5. Atorvastatin**

Of all seven statins, atorvastatin is the most often administered statin drug. In fact, it is one of the most often prescribed prescription drugs overall. Therefore many methods are developed for determination and quantification of atorvastatin in bulk drug and pharmaceuticals. Since Novakova et al. in 2008 [17] gave a review of HPLC methods for the determination of atorvastatin in pharmaceutical assays, only papers published afterwards will be presented.

There are several stability indicating methods for determination of atorvastatin using different techniques and detectors. A RP-HPTLC method using aluminium sheets precoated with silica gel 60 RP18F(254) as the mobile phase consisted of methanol-water was used for determination of atorvastatin in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulation [36]. Quantification was conducted densitometrically at 246 nm. Under acidic conditions drug underwent significant hydrolysis, while it was stable under alkali, oxidation, dry heat and photodegradation conditions. HPLC method using fluorescence detector (282 nm excitation, 400 nm emission) was introduced for analysis of atorvastatin and its degradation products in bulk drug and tablet form [37]. HPLC method with UV detection at 247 nm was

developed for determination of atorvastatin and its degradation products in bulk drug, marketed tablet and in-house prepared nanoemulsion formulation [38].

A Review of Current Trends and Advances in Analytical Methods for Determination of Statins: Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis 395

Atorvastatin in combined dosage forms, e.g. with ezetimibe, fenofibrate, ramiprile was determined by HPTLC methods [47, 48]. HPLC methods were published for simultaneous determination of atorvastatin in combination with amlodipin [49], fenofibrate [50], ezetimibe [51] and ramiprile [47, 52]. An improved HPLC method, with higher sensitivity and shorter analysis time using a chemometric protocol (statistical experimental design and Derringer's desirability function) was developed for simultaneous analysis of amlodipine and atorvastatin in pharmaceutical formulations [53]. Three HPLC methods have been published for analysis of atorvastatin and acetylsalicylic acid in combination with clopidogrel [54] and

**Figure 2.** Total ion current chromatogram of atorvastatin pharmaceutical dosage form (A) and MS

(b)

(a)

spectra of its process related impurity diamino-atorvastatin (B)

ramipril [55].

Another stability indicating method was proposed for simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and amlodipine alongside with their degradation products in commercial combined tablets [39]. An UPLC method using ethylene bridged hybrid C18 column (50 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) was used for simultaneous determination and quantitation of atorvastatin, acetylsalicylic acid and their four known and six unknown degradation products in combined dosage forms [40].

Two LC-MS method were reported for structure determination and identification of atorvastatin degradation products. An LC method employing an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source in positive mode with TOF mass spectrometer for acquiring accurate mass and an ion trap analyzer for complete fragmentation pattern was introduced [41]. Six unknown atorvastatin degradation products formed under stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation and photolysis were identified. Preparative HPLC method with Luna prep C18(2) column (200 mm x 50 mm, 10 μm) was used for isolation of four oxidative degradation products [42]. HPLC coupled to MS, high resolution MS and NMR spectroscopy were applied for the structure elucidation. Quantitative NMR spectroscopy was used for assay determination of isolated oxidative atorvastatin degradation products. A fast UPLC method with analysis time of 3 min was employed for determination of atorvastatin, fenofibrate and their degradation products in combined dosage forms [43].

We have developed HPLC/DAD/ESI/MSn method for separation and identification of atorvastatin and its four related impurities [44]. To avoid hydrolysis of the atorvastatin lactone and the lactonization of acid form, ammonium buffer pH 4.0 was used. In order to achieve separation between atorvastatin and its diastereomer, several mobile phases were examined. Finally, a gradient elution mode was chosen to achieve good separation between peaks adjacent to the drug components, as well as to keep short analysis time of lipophilic impurities (Fig. 2.). Mass spectra were obtained by ESI source in the positive ion mode and ion trap analyzer. For quantitative analysis of atorvastatin and its four known impurities multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was employed. Several unknown impurities were identified through MS/MS fragmentation analysis, i.e. diamino-atorvastatin, photolytic oxo-product, photolytic degradation product and diastereomer of atorvastatin lactone. Method was successfully applied to bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage forms provided by different manufactures (Figure 2).

HPLC-UV method was developed for simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and seven related compounds specified as process-related impurities and possible degradation impurities. Experimental design was used during method optimization and robustness testing [45]. Artificial Neural Networks were used for the modelling and prediction of chromatographic retention of atorvastatin and its impurities in micellar liquid chromatography [46].

Atorvastatin in combined dosage forms, e.g. with ezetimibe, fenofibrate, ramiprile was determined by HPTLC methods [47, 48]. HPLC methods were published for simultaneous determination of atorvastatin in combination with amlodipin [49], fenofibrate [50], ezetimibe [51] and ramiprile [47, 52]. An improved HPLC method, with higher sensitivity and shorter analysis time using a chemometric protocol (statistical experimental design and Derringer's desirability function) was developed for simultaneous analysis of amlodipine and atorvastatin in pharmaceutical formulations [53]. Three HPLC methods have been published for analysis of atorvastatin and acetylsalicylic acid in combination with clopidogrel [54] and ramipril [55].

394 Chromatography – The Most Versatile Method of Chemical Analysis

products in combined dosage forms [40].

dosage forms [43].

by different manufactures (Figure 2).

chromatography [46].

developed for determination of atorvastatin and its degradation products in bulk drug,

Another stability indicating method was proposed for simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and amlodipine alongside with their degradation products in commercial combined tablets [39]. An UPLC method using ethylene bridged hybrid C18 column (50 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) was used for simultaneous determination and quantitation of atorvastatin, acetylsalicylic acid and their four known and six unknown degradation

Two LC-MS method were reported for structure determination and identification of atorvastatin degradation products. An LC method employing an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source in positive mode with TOF mass spectrometer for acquiring accurate mass and an ion trap analyzer for complete fragmentation pattern was introduced [41]. Six unknown atorvastatin degradation products formed under stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation and photolysis were identified. Preparative HPLC method with Luna prep C18(2) column (200 mm x 50 mm, 10 μm) was used for isolation of four oxidative degradation products [42]. HPLC coupled to MS, high resolution MS and NMR spectroscopy were applied for the structure elucidation. Quantitative NMR spectroscopy was used for assay determination of isolated oxidative atorvastatin degradation products. A fast UPLC method with analysis time of 3 min was employed for determination of atorvastatin, fenofibrate and their degradation products in combined

We have developed HPLC/DAD/ESI/MSn method for separation and identification of atorvastatin and its four related impurities [44]. To avoid hydrolysis of the atorvastatin lactone and the lactonization of acid form, ammonium buffer pH 4.0 was used. In order to achieve separation between atorvastatin and its diastereomer, several mobile phases were examined. Finally, a gradient elution mode was chosen to achieve good separation between peaks adjacent to the drug components, as well as to keep short analysis time of lipophilic impurities (Fig. 2.). Mass spectra were obtained by ESI source in the positive ion mode and ion trap analyzer. For quantitative analysis of atorvastatin and its four known impurities multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was employed. Several unknown impurities were identified through MS/MS fragmentation analysis, i.e. diamino-atorvastatin, photolytic oxo-product, photolytic degradation product and diastereomer of atorvastatin lactone. Method was successfully applied to bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage forms provided

HPLC-UV method was developed for simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and seven related compounds specified as process-related impurities and possible degradation impurities. Experimental design was used during method optimization and robustness testing [45]. Artificial Neural Networks were used for the modelling and prediction of chromatographic retention of atorvastatin and its impurities in micellar liquid

marketed tablet and in-house prepared nanoemulsion formulation [38].

**Figure 2.** Total ion current chromatogram of atorvastatin pharmaceutical dosage form (A) and MS spectra of its process related impurity diamino-atorvastatin (B)

HPLC method was used for investigation of polypills for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases [56]. Seven drugs, i.e. lisinopril, aspirin, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide and simvastatin/pravastatin/atorvastatin in the presence of their major interaction and degradation products were separated on a C8 column. In order to obtain mass spectra of the interaction and degradation products, ESI-MicroTOFQ mass spectrometer was employed. Atenolol, lisinopril, simvastatin and atorvastatin mass spectra were acquired in positive ESI mode, while hydrochlorotiazide and aspirin were ionized better in negative mode. Pravastatin gave good molecular ions in both modes. All the interaction and degradation products gave satisfactory mass spectra in positive ESI modes, except for two pravastatin related products which showed better molecular ions in negative mode. Results suggested that use of pravastatin in relate to other statins resulted in more interaction and degradation products, as well did the combination with atenolol by comparison with hydrochlorotiazide. This is a very nice approach that can be utilized for drug-drug interactions and stability studies of the polypill. Drawbacks of the proposed method are long analysis time of 90 min, replacement of the phosphate buffer with water for MS analysis and three different gradient methods for each of the statins.

A Review of Current Trends and Advances in Analytical Methods for Determination of Statins: Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis 397

Simultaneous determination and quantification of atenolol, rosuvastatin, spironolactone, glibenclamide and naproxen sodium in bulk drugs, pharmaceutical formulations and in

Pitavastatin is the newest statin on the market available in Japan since 2003, and approved for use in US in 2009. Currently pitavastatin is under evaluation in Europe (in UK it was approved in 2010). Hence, not many methods have been reported for determination of

Two HPTLC methods were reported for the determination of pitavastatin in commercial pharmaceutical dosage forms [62, 63]. Validation was performed and both methods were

A HPLC method was proposed for determination of pitavastatin in pharmaceutical dosage forms by Kumar et al [64]. Separation was achieved on a Phenomenex C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 μm) in isocratic mode. Different mobile phases were tested and based on the best separation, analysis time, cost-effectives, sensitivity and suitability for the stability studies, a mobile phase consisted of 0.5% acetic acid:acetonitrile (35:65, *v/v*) was chosen. Four different drugs were tried out as the internal standard, and based on peak shape,

Several stability indicating methods have been published [65-68]. Panchal and co-workers proposed two different methods, using liquid chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry for determination of pitavastatin in tablet dosage forms [66]. Additionally forced degradation study was conducted under acidic, basic, oxidative, thermal and photolytic conditions. No change in the area of pitavastatin peak and no additional peaks were detected under photodegradation conditions. Both acidic and basic hydrolysis and thermal conditions generated additional peaks. After oxidative degradation a significant decrease of pitavastatin peak and additional peaks were observed. Linearity range of the LC method was 0.1-2.5 μg/mL, while for the UV method it ranged from 2-20 μg/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) of the LC method was 0.0055 μg/mL, whereas for the UV method it was much higher, 0.4062 μg/mL. Statistical comparison between two methods by applying the paired t-test was

UPLC stability indicating method was developed for degradation study of pitavastatin [67]. Separation of pitavastatin and its degradation products and impurities was performed in less then 5 min. More detailed photodegradation study of pitavastatin was conducted by Grobelny et al. [68]. Pitavastatin solution was exposed to UV-A radiation. HPLC analysis was performed to monitor the changes of pitavastatin. Identification of four photoproducts

A single method is reported for simultaneous determination of pitavastatin and ezetimibe [69]. After optimization and validation, the proposed method was successfully applied for determination of pitavastatin and ezetimibe in a prepared binary mixture. However, no real

spiked human plasma was performed by HPLC [61].

pitavastatin in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulations.

shown to be selective, sensitive and accurate.

resolution and elution time, paracetamol was chosen.

performed and no statistically significant difference was observed.

was conducted by MS analysis.

sample was tested.

**2.7. Pitavastatin** 

## **2.6. Rosuvastatin**

Far to our knowledge first HPLC method for the determination of rosuvastatin in bulk drug and in its dosage form was published by Mehta et al [57]. A forced degradation study was done at various pH values, under hydrolytic, oxidative, photolytic and thermal stress conditions. Developed method was able to resolve the degradation products formed during the stress study.

Not so commonly used in quality control analysis of pharmaceuticals, HPTLC method was proposed [58] for determination of rosuvastatin in its bulk drug and pharmaceutical preparations. Analysis was performed in a Camag twin-trough chamber on silica gel 60F(254) HPTLC plates. Aceclofenac was used as internal standard. Optimized mobile phase consisted of toluene-methanol-ethyl acetate-formic acid. Quantitation was performed densitometrically at 265 nm.

A paper employing both HPTLC and HPLC for determination of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe in combined tablet dosage forms was published [59]. HPLC analysis was performed on a Chromolith C18 column (100 mm x 4.6 mm) with PDA detector set at 245 nm. HPTLC separation was carried out on an aluminum-backed sheet of silica gel 60F (254) layers using n-butyl acetate-chloroform-glacial acetic acid as the mobile phase. Quantification of analites was performed with UV densitometry at 245 nm. A stability indicating method for simultaneous estimation of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe in their combination drug product was introduced [60]. Under oxidation, thermal and photodegradation conditions, both drugs were relatively stable. For rosuvastatin a high degree of degradation was observed in acidic hydrolytic conditions (0.1 M HCl at 80 °C for 1h), while ezetimibe was stable. On the contrary, ezetimibe was completely degradated with 0.1 M NaOH at 80 °C in 30 min, while rosuvastatin remained stable.

Simultaneous determination and quantification of atenolol, rosuvastatin, spironolactone, glibenclamide and naproxen sodium in bulk drugs, pharmaceutical formulations and in spiked human plasma was performed by HPLC [61].

## **2.7. Pitavastatin**

396 Chromatography – The Most Versatile Method of Chemical Analysis

methods for each of the statins.

**2.6. Rosuvastatin** 

the stress study.

densitometrically at 265 nm.

rosuvastatin remained stable.

HPLC method was used for investigation of polypills for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases [56]. Seven drugs, i.e. lisinopril, aspirin, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide and simvastatin/pravastatin/atorvastatin in the presence of their major interaction and degradation products were separated on a C8 column. In order to obtain mass spectra of the interaction and degradation products, ESI-MicroTOFQ mass spectrometer was employed. Atenolol, lisinopril, simvastatin and atorvastatin mass spectra were acquired in positive ESI mode, while hydrochlorotiazide and aspirin were ionized better in negative mode. Pravastatin gave good molecular ions in both modes. All the interaction and degradation products gave satisfactory mass spectra in positive ESI modes, except for two pravastatin related products which showed better molecular ions in negative mode. Results suggested that use of pravastatin in relate to other statins resulted in more interaction and degradation products, as well did the combination with atenolol by comparison with hydrochlorotiazide. This is a very nice approach that can be utilized for drug-drug interactions and stability studies of the polypill. Drawbacks of the proposed method are long analysis time of 90 min, replacement of the phosphate buffer with water for MS analysis and three different gradient

Far to our knowledge first HPLC method for the determination of rosuvastatin in bulk drug and in its dosage form was published by Mehta et al [57]. A forced degradation study was done at various pH values, under hydrolytic, oxidative, photolytic and thermal stress conditions. Developed method was able to resolve the degradation products formed during

Not so commonly used in quality control analysis of pharmaceuticals, HPTLC method was proposed [58] for determination of rosuvastatin in its bulk drug and pharmaceutical preparations. Analysis was performed in a Camag twin-trough chamber on silica gel 60F(254) HPTLC plates. Aceclofenac was used as internal standard. Optimized mobile phase consisted of toluene-methanol-ethyl acetate-formic acid. Quantitation was performed

A paper employing both HPTLC and HPLC for determination of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe in combined tablet dosage forms was published [59]. HPLC analysis was performed on a Chromolith C18 column (100 mm x 4.6 mm) with PDA detector set at 245 nm. HPTLC separation was carried out on an aluminum-backed sheet of silica gel 60F (254) layers using n-butyl acetate-chloroform-glacial acetic acid as the mobile phase. Quantification of analites was performed with UV densitometry at 245 nm. A stability indicating method for simultaneous estimation of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe in their combination drug product was introduced [60]. Under oxidation, thermal and photodegradation conditions, both drugs were relatively stable. For rosuvastatin a high degree of degradation was observed in acidic hydrolytic conditions (0.1 M HCl at 80 °C for 1h), while ezetimibe was stable. On the contrary, ezetimibe was completely degradated with 0.1 M NaOH at 80 °C in 30 min, while Pitavastatin is the newest statin on the market available in Japan since 2003, and approved for use in US in 2009. Currently pitavastatin is under evaluation in Europe (in UK it was approved in 2010). Hence, not many methods have been reported for determination of pitavastatin in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulations.

Two HPTLC methods were reported for the determination of pitavastatin in commercial pharmaceutical dosage forms [62, 63]. Validation was performed and both methods were shown to be selective, sensitive and accurate.

A HPLC method was proposed for determination of pitavastatin in pharmaceutical dosage forms by Kumar et al [64]. Separation was achieved on a Phenomenex C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 μm) in isocratic mode. Different mobile phases were tested and based on the best separation, analysis time, cost-effectives, sensitivity and suitability for the stability studies, a mobile phase consisted of 0.5% acetic acid:acetonitrile (35:65, *v/v*) was chosen. Four different drugs were tried out as the internal standard, and based on peak shape, resolution and elution time, paracetamol was chosen.

Several stability indicating methods have been published [65-68]. Panchal and co-workers proposed two different methods, using liquid chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry for determination of pitavastatin in tablet dosage forms [66]. Additionally forced degradation study was conducted under acidic, basic, oxidative, thermal and photolytic conditions. No change in the area of pitavastatin peak and no additional peaks were detected under photodegradation conditions. Both acidic and basic hydrolysis and thermal conditions generated additional peaks. After oxidative degradation a significant decrease of pitavastatin peak and additional peaks were observed. Linearity range of the LC method was 0.1-2.5 μg/mL, while for the UV method it ranged from 2-20 μg/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) of the LC method was 0.0055 μg/mL, whereas for the UV method it was much higher, 0.4062 μg/mL. Statistical comparison between two methods by applying the paired t-test was performed and no statistically significant difference was observed.

UPLC stability indicating method was developed for degradation study of pitavastatin [67]. Separation of pitavastatin and its degradation products and impurities was performed in less then 5 min. More detailed photodegradation study of pitavastatin was conducted by Grobelny et al. [68]. Pitavastatin solution was exposed to UV-A radiation. HPLC analysis was performed to monitor the changes of pitavastatin. Identification of four photoproducts was conducted by MS analysis.

A single method is reported for simultaneous determination of pitavastatin and ezetimibe [69]. After optimization and validation, the proposed method was successfully applied for determination of pitavastatin and ezetimibe in a prepared binary mixture. However, no real sample was tested.


A Review of Current Trends and Advances in Analytical Methods for Determination of Statins: Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis 399

**Stationary phase Mobile phase Ref.** 

(7:2:0.8)

gradient elution A:ACN

1.2 mL/min 2.9 mL/min (GC)

PRA,ROS

FLU,ATO

0.1% orthophosphoric acid pH 3.5:ACN (63:37)

0.05 M phosphate buffer pH 2.5:methanol (45:55)

ethyl acetate-methanolammonia+1drop formic acid

B:10 mM phosphate buffer

ACN:water (70:30) pH 2.5

Methanol-water (70:30)-

59

60

62

66

123

124

Chromolith C 18 (100

Aluminium-backed silica gel 60F(254)

Aluminum backed Silica gel 60F(254)

LiChrospher RP-18 (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 μm)

Symmetry C18 (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 μm) HP-1 (30 m x 0.25 mm

HPLC RP C18 methanol-water (60:40)-

Hypersil C18 (150 x 4.6

x 6 mm)

mm, 5 μm)

x 0.25 μm)

LOV-lovastatin, SIM-simvastatin, PRA-pravastatin, FLU-fluvastatin, ATO-atorvastatin, ROS-rosuvastatin, PITpitavastatin, EZE-ezetimibe, AML-amlodipine, ASA-acetylsalicylic acid, FEN-fenofibrate, RAM-ramiprile, ACN-

There have been three reviews on analytical methods for the determination of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in biological samples. The first one, published by Ertürk and coworkers in 2003 [70], reviews bio-analytical methods for lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin and atorvastatin. The second one, published in 2007, is focused only on chromatography-mass spectrometry methods for the quantification of statins in biological samples [10]. In 2008 Nováková and co-workers [17] have published a review on HPLC methods for the determination of simvastatin and atorvastatin in various fields of application, including bioanalytical assays. Since these reviews have been published, a number of bioanalytical methods have been developed for all HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Most of the methods published since 2007 were applied for investigation of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in human plasma or serum. Far to our knowledge since 2007 only two LC/MS/MS methods for determination of statins in human urine have been developed. The sample preparation procedures and analytical assays for quantification of

**Table 1.** Chromatographic methods for analysis of statin drugs in pharmaceuticals

**Analyt Application Separation** 

combined dosage form

stability indicating study

PIT pharmaceutical dosage form

PIT photostability study

> pharmaceutical dosage form

stability indicating study

**3. Bioanalytical methods** 

ROS, EZE

ROS, EZE

ROS, ATO, SIM, LOV, PRA

PRA, FLU, ATO, ROS

acetonitrile

**technique and detector** 

HPLC HPTLC UV 245 nm

HPLC UV 242 nm

HPTLC UV 245 nm

HPLC MS

HPLC GC UV 246 nm

statins in biological samples are listed in Tables 2 and 3.


LOV-lovastatin, SIM-simvastatin, PRA-pravastatin, FLU-fluvastatin, ATO-atorvastatin, ROS-rosuvastatin, PITpitavastatin, EZE-ezetimibe, AML-amlodipine, ASA-acetylsalicylic acid, FEN-fenofibrate, RAM-ramiprile, ACNacetonitrile

**Table 1.** Chromatographic methods for analysis of statin drugs in pharmaceuticals
