RP-HPLC method validation for fast extraction and quantification of Levonorgestrel drug from silicone based intrauterine device intended for in-process and finished formulation.

BACKGROUND: To develop and validate a simple and consistent reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the estimation of Levonorgestrel (LNG) drug from silicone based intrauterine device. METHODS: Sample solution was prepared using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as solvent for the drug extraction, and RP-HPLC analysis was performed using Luna C18 analytical column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm, 100 Å - Phenomenex), with a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of acetonitrile and water (50:50, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and injection volume of 20 µl. Detection was carried out at 241 nm in PDA detector, with a total run time of 15 min. The method was validated in accordance with ICH guidelines. Method applicability was tested for optimizing formulation using quality-by-design approach, to check the stability and content uniformity of levonorgestrel-silicone mixture (core blend), and quantifying the amount of LNG from commercially available silicone based formulation. RESULTS: The retention time for LNG drug was obtained at 8.5 min (± 0.3 min). A linear relationship was observed over the concentration range of 2.6-15.6 µg/ml with the correlation coefficient (r) value 0.9999. The method was found to be precise within the acceptable limit (RSD < 2%) and the drug recovery from the intrauterine device was found in the range 99.78-100.0%. Content uniformity for different prototypes developed was observed in the range of 91.6-101.4%, and assay of optimized core blend was in the range of 97.78-106.79% during the 10 days of retention period for stability studies. CONCLUSION: The validated method is found to be a simple, accurate, precise, reproducible, and hence can be used for the routine analysis of LNG such as in-process, quality control and stability assays of silicone based intrauterine devices by RP-HPLC.

Controlled release of copper from an intrauterine device using a biodegradable polymer.

BACKGROUND: The adverse effects of copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) such as abnormal bleeding, pain and cramps may be due in part to the burst release of copper ions during the first few months of usage. This study focuses on controlling the initial burst release of copper ions. STUDY DESIGN: This study evaluated in vitro release rates of copper for a period of 1 year from standard CuT380 IUDs (n=6) and from CuT380 IUDs coated with poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) films (n=6). This study characterized the coated device for its morphological changes during degradation of film by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: CuT380 IUDs coated with PLGA film with a thickness of 0.10±0.02 mm showed a reduced initial copper release (40-80 mcg/day) compared with uncoated CuT380 IUDs (150-200 mcg/day). Statistically significant (p<.05) results were obtained at different time intervals during the overall study period of 1 year. SEM images showed degradation of coating. CONCLUSION: Coating a CuT380 IUD with biodegradable polymer reduced the initial copper release without affecting release at 1 year. Clinical trials are required to determine whether this could reduce side effects such as bleeding and pain associated with copper containing IUDs.