Throughput for early discovery drug metabolism studies can be increased with the concomitant acquisition of metabolite screening information and quantitative analysis using ultra-fast gradient chromatographic methods. Typical ultra-fast high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) parameters used during early discovery pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, for example, employ full-linear gradients over 1-2 min at very high flow rates (1.5-2 mL/min) on very short HPLC columns (2 x 20 mm). These conditions increase sample throughput by reducing analytical run time without sacrificing chromatographic integrity and may be used to analyze samples generated from a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. This approach allows acquisition of more information about a lead candidate while maintaining rapid analytical turn-around time. Some examples of this approach are discussed in further detail.
Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.