LC–MS/MS Quantification of Ataluren and Ataluren Acyl Glucuronide in Human Plasma/Urine: Application in Clinical Studies

Background: This paper describes for the first-time analytical procedures established to resolve the challenges associated with simultaneous and direct quantification of ataluren and ataluren-O-1β-acyl glucuronide (AAG) by LC–MS/MS in human plasma and urine matrices. Methodology/results: The plasma quantification method was validated for calibration range of 12.5–12500 ng/ml for ataluren and 6.25–2500 ng/ml for AAG. The urine quantification method was validated for calibration range of 0.01–10 and 1–1000 μg/ml for ataluren and AAG, respectively. Plasma and urine samples were stabilized upon collection and through storage to prevent hydrolysis and acyl migration of AAG. Conclusion: Methods described in this paper enabled successful completion of ataluren clinical pharmacology studies for simultaneous pharmacokinetic assessment of ataluren and AAG.