Development and validation of a new UHPLC method for related proteins in insulin and insulin analogues as an alternative to the European Pharmacopoeia RP-HPLC method.

The LC methods for related proteins prescribed in the European Pharmacopoeia monographs for insulins and insulin analogues are very similar and present some drawbacks including long run time and low resolution. LC to UHPLC-UV geometrical transfer was attempted to overcome such drawbacks. With the new UHPLC method, additional substances were separated in bovine and porcine insulins. A UHPLC MS-compatible method was developed using a mixed-mode C18 stationary phase with charged surface hybrid technology and a mobile phase containing a low concentration of trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile. An unknown peak was detected and identified as being B30-des-Alanine-insulin which was also confirmed by microTOF direct infusion and specific digestion with bovine carboxypeptidase A. Based on the results obtained during geometrical method transfer, a single UHPLC-UV method for human, bovine, porcine insulins and insulin lispro and aspart was developed and validated according to ICH Q2 guidelines. The new method is superior to the current European Pharmacopoeia LC methods with improved selectivity and shorter run time. The method is based on gradient elution and employs a commonly available stationary phase (conventional C18 column) which makes it an appropriate method for pharmacopoeial public quality standards. It may therefore represent a valid alternative to the LC methods currently described in the European Pharmacopoeia for insulins.