Determination of anabolic-androgenic steroid adulterants in counterfeit drugs by UHPLC-MS/MS

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2015:111:138-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2015.03.018. Epub 2015 Mar 28.

Abstract

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) have been illegally used in counterfeit drugs to improve the performance of athletes. In addition, AASs have been used for cosmetic purpose by non-athletes. To determine the presence of 26 AASs, an analysis method using ultra-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. The validated method was applied to 19 counterfeit drugs collected from the Internet and off-line markets during 2014. Nearly 50% (9/19) of the samples contained one of these 26 AASs. In addition, the concentration ranges of the AASs ranged from 0.09 to 119,228.57 mg/kg in the suspected samples. The determined AASs primarily consisted of testosterone and testosterone 17-propionate (26%) followed by boldenone (21%). These results indicate the adulteration of over-the-counter counterfeit drugs, and the continuous monitoring of counterfeit drugs or dubious dietary supplements containing anabolic steroids is warranted.

Keywords: Adulterants; Anabolic–androgenic steroids; Counterfeit drug; UHPLC–MS/MS; Validation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anabolic Agents / analysis*
  • Anabolic Agents / chemistry*
  • Androgens / chemistry*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods
  • Counterfeit Drugs / analysis*
  • Counterfeit Drugs / chemistry*
  • Doping in Sports / methods
  • Drug Contamination
  • Steroids / chemistry*
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry / methods

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Androgens
  • Counterfeit Drugs
  • Steroids