A Detailed Review on LC-MS Methods for Assessing Febuxostat in Blood Plasma: Implications for Bioavailability and Bioequivalence Studies

Febuxostat (FBS) has emerged as a revolutionary treatment for hyperuricemia and gout. This comprehensive review provides a pioneering analysis of the instrumental role of Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) in unravelling the bioavailability and bioequivalence of Febuxostat (FBS) in human plasma. Utilizing Febuxostat d9 and d7, along with other drugs as internal standards (IS), the review steers through the intricate view of pharmaceutical research, focusing on validation methods and the challenges presented by the complex pharmacokinetics of FBS. Unprecedented in its depth, the review aims to contribute valuable insights to the field by addressing the evolving paradigms in pharmaceutical analysis. FBS, a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout, takes centre stage, highlighting its pivotal role in contemporary therapeutic approaches. LC-MS develops as a cornerstone analytical method for studying FBS, offering unparalleled sensitivity and selectivity. The review delves into the sample preparation techniques, emphasizing the significance of protein precipitation and liquid-liquid extraction in extracting FBS from human blood plasma. LC-MS/MS, chosen for its exceptional sensitivity and specificity, becomes a focal point in FBS analysis, with IS employed to enhance accuracy. The optimization of chromatographic conditions, encompassing the careful selection of stationary and mobile phases, is highlighted as crucial for establishing a robust and reliable LC method, ensuring accuracy in pharmacokinetic studies of FBS. This review positions LC-MS as a cornerstone analytical technique, highlighting its critical role in the precise determination of Febuxostat in blood plasma, with significant implications for future bioavailability and bioequivalence studies. The study concluded that LC-MS's superiority in Febuxostat analysis set the stage for a future where pharmacokinetic studies become insightful, efficient, and transformative, shaping the future of pharmaceutical research.