There are a few different bioanalytical approaches that have been used for the quantification of siRNA in biological matrices, such as S1 nuclease protection 'cutting ELISA', fluorescent probe hybridization HPLC, HPLC UV, LC-MS/high-resolution accurate-mass (HRAM) and LC-MS/MS. We have developed and validated plasma assays for several oligonucleotides such as GalNAc-conjugated siRNA, using uHPLC and high-resolution mass spectrometer by TOF detection. Although the molecular weights are in the range of 7000-9000, we were able to meet the same assay acceptance criteria as for the small molecules based on regulatory bioanalytical method validation guidance. The antisense strand and the sense strand can both be monitored. The method was also used in the tissue lysate matrices without a full validation.
Keywords: HRMS; LC–TOF–MS; antisense; clarity OTX plates and lysis buffer; isotopic envelope; oligonucleotide; pharmacokinetics of siRNA; siRNA in biological matrices; siRNA metabolite quantitation; solid-phase extraction.