A sensitive method for the quantification of formoterol in human plasma

This technical note presents a sensitive method for the quantification of the highly potent orally inhaled drug, formoterol, in human plasma. The method employs a simple liquid-liquid extraction sample preparation to extract formoterol from human plasma. Accurate and highly reproducible quantitative performance was achieved with linearity demonstrated at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 100 pg/mL. The SCIEX 7500 system was used for low-level (0.05 pg/mL) quantification of formoterol in human plasma.

As drug discovery and development initiatives concentrate on more effective lower dosage drugs, there is a continual increase in demand for more simple and sensitive bioanalytical methods. The simplest approach to meet these requirements is to utilize a more sensitive mass spectrometer. Bioanalytical scientists have the most flexibility when working with a system that delivers technological advancements that offer sensitivity enhancements across the mass range and in both polarities.^1,2