Developing a Validated HPLC Method for Quantification of Ceftazidime Employing Analytical Quality by Design and Monte Carlo Simulations

Abstract Background Ceftazidime, a third-generation cephalosporin, is widely used in the treatment of lung infections, often given as “off-label” nebulization. There is a need to develop a sensitive and robust analytical method to compute aerodynamic properties of ceftazidime following nebulization. Objective The current study entails development of a simple, accurate, and sensitive HPLC method for ceftazidime estimation, employing the principles of analytical quality-by-design (AQbD) and Monte Carlo simulations. Method Selection of critical material attributes (CMAs) affecting method performance was accomplished by factor screening exercises. Subsequently, the influential CMAs, i.e., mobile phase ratio and flow rate, were systemically optimized using a face-centered cubic design for the chosen critical analytical attributes (CAAs). The factor relationship(s) between CMAs and CAAs was explored employing a 3 D-response surface and 2 D-contour plots, followed by numerical as well as graphical optimization, for establishing the optimal chromatographic conditions. The obtained method operable design region was validated by Monte Carlo simulations for defect rate analysis. Results The optimized HPLC conditions for estimating ceftazidime were acetonitrile to acetic acid solution (75:25) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min, leading to Rt of 4.5 min and peak tailing ≤2. Validation studies, as per International Conference on Harmonization Q2(R1) guidance, demonstrated high sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency of the developed analytical method with an LOD of 0.075 and LOQ of 0.227 µg/mL. Application of this chromatographic method was extrapolated for determining aerodynamic performance by nebulizing ceftazidime at a flow rate of 15 L/min using a next-generation impactor. The study indicated superior performance, sensitivity, and specificity of the developed analytical system for quantifying ceftazidime. Conclusions Application of an AQbD approach, coupled with Monte Carlo simulations, aided in developing a robust HPLC method for estimationof ceftazidime per se and on various stages of impactor. Highlights (i) QbD-enabled development of robust RP-HPLC method for ceftazidime quantification, (ii) Analytical method optimization employing Risk Assessment and Design of Experiments, (iii) Design space verification and defect rate analysis using Monte Carlo simulations, (iv) Chromatographic method validation as per ICH Q2 R1 guidelines and (v) Quantitative estimation of ceftazidime on various stages of impactor