HPLC determination of arginases inhibitor N-(ω)-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine using core-shell particle column and LC-MS/MS identification of principal metabolite in rat plasma

► The first HPLC method for nor-NOHA assay was developed and validated. ► Sub-3-um fused core sorbent was used for the separation. ► Method is compatible with fluorimetric and MS detection. ► nor-NOHA metabolite was identified as nor-arginine using LC-MS/MS. ► Pharmacokinetic experiment with nor-NOHA was conducted on rats.