Ultra high performance liquid chromatography method development for separation of omeprazole and related substances on core-shell columns using a Quality by Design approach.

An updated and improved method for analysis of omeprazole/esomeprazole and related substances on core-shell columns was developed using Fusion LC Method Development™. The method was optimized with respect to column type, column temperature, mobile phase pH level, and gradient time. Four different core-shell columns were examined to develop a method suitable for both high performance- and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography using a Quality by Design approach. The final method offers two alternative columns: Poroshell EC C18 (3.0 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm) or Poroshell HPH (3.0 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm) with the same gradient elution condition and mobile phase composition. Total run time is 18 min with 12 min of gradient elution. Phosphate buffer (15 mM, pH 7.8) is selected as the aqueous mobile phase and acetonitrile as the organic mobile phase. Column temperature is set at 40°C and ultraviolet detection at 302 nm. Furthermore, by studying parameters in a systematic way, an understanding of the effect of the input parameters enhances the method robustness and should allow for regulatory flexibility in terms of post-approval changes. Compared to the current United States Pharmacopeia method, the updated method is faster, more efficient and performs well above acceptance criteria.