Computer-aided ultrahigh performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) method development and optimization was undertaken in order to replace an underperforming European Pharmacopoeia method for the determination of albendazole and its related substances. In the preliminary screening, a temperature-gradient time bidimensional model was chosen to aid selection of the proper stationary phase. Hereinafter temperature-gradient time-ternary composition and temperature-gradient time-pH tridimensional models were applied for the optimization of critical method parameters. The simulation and in silico robustness testing were realized using DryLab modeling software. The final method was validated for quantification of impurities and assay of the active substance according to the current ICH guidance. The validated methods were tested on a real, commercial tablet formulation. The experimental design-based and software-assisted method development proved to be a fast and reliable way of replacing a method with inadequate selectivity and long runtime with a robust UHPLC-based method, which offers baseline separation for all monitored impurities in 10 min. Results confirm that software-based chromatographic modelling can not only speed up the analytical method development process, but also improve the reliability of the developed method.
Keywords: AQbD; Drylab; Experimental design; In silico robustness testing; Method validation; Retention modelling.
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