Stability-Indicating HPLC Method for Quantifying Process-Related Impurities in Fedratinib and Identification of Its Forced Degradation Products Using LC-MS/MS

Background: Pharmaceutical industry is characterized by rigorous quality standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs. Despite stringent manufacturing processes, the presence of impurities or generation of degradation products (DPs) in pharmaceutical products remains a concern. This necessitates a comprehensive and systematic approach to analysis impurities and DPs. Objectives: This study deals with the optimization of the stable HPLC method for quantification of fedratinib impurities and its DPs characterization through LC-MS/MS. Method: Method optimization studies were conducted by analyzing standard solutions in various method parameters. The results noticed in every varied method condition were tabulated for finalizing the appropriate conditions for analyzing fedratinib. The mass spectral response of DPs was interpreted carefully for structural conformation of DPs. Results: The method is optimized as HIQSIL C18 (250mm×4.6mm;5µ) column employing 1.0 mL/min flow of phosphate buffer (pH 5.2) and acetonitrile in 45:65 (v/v) and 257 nm. This method elutes 5.4, 2.6, 9.2 and 3.5 min for fedratinib, impurity 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Method sensitivity was verified to be very sensitive that can evaluate up to 0.003, 0.015 and 0.004 µg/mL for impurity 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Well correlated calibration curve achieved in 50-200 µg/mL for fedratinib and 0.05-0.20 µg/mL for impurities. Various stress studies produce four stress DPs and were identified using LC-MS/MS. The molecular mass (g/mol) and formula of DPs were identified as 426 and C21H25N5O3S, 312 and C17H22N5O, 354 and C17H14N4O3S, 215 and C11H11N4O respectively for DP 1 to 4. Conclusion: The method proposed can successfully be helpful for quantifying the pharmaceutical impurities and DPs of fedratinib in bulk batch samples and formulations.