Fast chiral chromatographic method development and validation for the quantitation of eszopiclone in human plasma using LC/MS/MS.

Traditional chiral chromatographic separation method development is time consuming even for an experienced chromatographer. This paper describes the application of computer software ACD Lab to facilitate the development of chiral separation for the quantitation of eszopiclone using LC-MS/MS technology. Assisted by ACD/Chrom Manager and LC Simulator software, the optimal chiral chromatographic development was completed within hours. The baseline chiral separation was achieved with a total cycle time of 3 min. For sample extraction method development, a Waters Oasis Sorbent Selection Plate containing four different sorbents was utilized. Optimal conditions were determined using a single plate under various load, wash and elution conditions. This was followed by a GLP validation which demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision for the quantitation of eszopiclone in human plasma at 1.00-100 ng/mL range using LC/MS/MS technology. This method was utilized to support multiple clinic bioequivalence studies.