A rapid and sensitive UHPLC–MS/MS assay for the determination of trelagliptin in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

• It is the first time to report the determination of trelagliptin in rat plasma.
• This UHPLC–MS/MS method is simple, rapid and sensitive.
• The method has been successfully applied to pharmacokinetic.
• The absolute bioavailability of trelagliptin was reported as high as 57.3%.

This study aims to develop and validate a simple, rapid and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method for exploring pharmacokinetic characteristics of trelagliptin. Protein precipitation by acetonitrile was used to prepare plasma sample. A RRHD Eclipse Plus C18 (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 μ) column with gradient mobile phase (containing acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid) help to achieve the separation of trelagliptin and carbamazepine (IS) with high selectivity. Detection of target fragment ions m/z 358.2 → 133.9 for trelagliptin, and m/z 237.1 → 194.0 for IS was performed in positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry by multiple reaction monitoring. Linear calibration plots were achieved in the range of 5–4000 ng/mL for trelagliptin (R2 = 0.999) in rat plasma. The recovery of trelagliptin ranged from 87.8% to 93.7%. The method was showed to be accurate, precise and stable. No obvious matrix effect was found. It has been fully validated and successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of trelagliptin.