STABILITY INDICATING LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF DOLUTEGRAVIR BY AQBD APPROACH – CENTRAL COMPOSITE DESIGN

Based on the current regulatory requirements for analytical method development, a RP-HPLC method for quality control of dolutegravir in dosage form has been optimized using analytical quality by design (AQbD) approach. Experimental observations were analysed by full factorial experimental design in Sigmatech software with two variables (flow rate and % organic mobile phase) whilst the number of theoretical plates was considered as response. The analytical method conditions were optimized as mobile phase (40:60 % V/V) consisting of acetonitrile and ammonium formate buffer, pH 3.0 pumped at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min in an isocratic mode on SPOLAR C18 Column (250 x 4.6mm, 5μm) with run time of 15 min. The plot between peak area vs. concentration was rectilinear in the range of 5-30 μg/mL with detection and quantification limit values at 0.01 and 0.3μg/mL, respectively at retention time of 13 min. The predicted data from contour diagram for theoretical plates was verified virtually and it was contented with concrete experimental data. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines. The proposed method was pertinent for assay of marketed dosage form (Tivicay) and further extended to quantify the drug in prevalence of degradation products. Degradation pathways of dolutegravir were postulated and characterized by IR and mass spectral data.