LC-MS/MS Estimation of the Anti-Cancer Agent Tandutinib Levels in Human Liver Microsomes: Metabolic Stability Evaluation Assay

Abstract

Purpose

Tandutinib (MLN518 or CT 53518) (TND) is a novel, oral, small-molecule inhibitor of type III receptor tyrosine kinases utilized for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Materials and Methods

In silico prediction of hepatic drug metabolism for TND was determined using the StarDrop® WhichP450™ module to confirm its metabolic liability. Second, an efficient and accurate LC-MS/MS method was established for TND quantification to evaluate metabolic stability. TND and entrectinib (ENC) (internal standard; IS) were resolved using an isocratic elution system with a reversed stationary phase (C₈ column).

Results

The established LC-MS/MS method exhibited linearity (5–500 ng/mL) with r² ≥0.9999 in the human liver microsomes matrix. The method sensitivity was indicated by the limit of quantification (3.8 ng/mL), and reproducibility was revealed by inter- and intraday precision and accuracy (below 10.5%). TND metabolic stability estimation was calculated using intrinsic clearance (22.03 µL/min/mg) and in vitro half-life (29.0 min) values.

Conclusion

TND exhibited a moderate extraction ratio indicative of good bioavailability. According to the literature, the approach developed in the present study is the first established LC-MS/MS method for assessing TND metabolic stability.

Keywords:

• tandutinib
• metabolic stability assessment
• in vitro half-life
• validated LC-MS/MS methodology

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deputyship for Research & Innovation, “Ministry of Education“ in Saudi Arabia for funding this research work through the project number IFKSURG-1435-025.

Ethics Approval

The study design using in vitro experiments with commercially available human liver microsomes exempts it from the need of the Ethics Committees approval.

Author Contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to the conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of the data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no competing interests.