Bioanalysis of antimalarials using liquid chromatography

Among the most central aspects of the drug-development process is estimation of drug levels in biological systems, which is an integral part of preclinical and clinical studies. Once the drug is marketed, determination of biological drug levels becomes crucial for therapeutic drug monitoring during treatment regimens and for optimal treatment for individuals. Malaria shows marked variability in treatment outcomes associated with its pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic origins and requires personalized dosage regimens. Technological advancements in bioanalytical chemistry involving liquid chromatography have revolutionized drug analysis. In this article, we review the use of these methods in the bioanalysis of 15 antimalarial drugs, based on papers published since 1988, with emphasis on sensitivity, sample-preparation procedures and detection techniques used.