Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Edaravone Quantification

Edaravone is used to treat motor neurone disease (MND) by slowing disease progression and prolonging survival time. Currently, it is available as an IV infusion (Radicava®, Jersey City, NJ, USA) and an oral liquid suspension (Radicava ORS®, Jersey City, NJ, USA). Development of novel edaravone formulations is still an active field of research that requires a validated stability-indicating assay capable of providing specific, precise, and accurate quantification of edaravone content. In this study, we developed and validated a stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for edaravone quantification. Ten RP-HPLC methods based on the previously published literature were evaluated during method development. The optimal method employed a gradient method on an Agilent ZORBAX Extend-C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) and produced a sharp and symmetrical drug peak. The method was further validated according to ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for specificity, linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. Successful separation of edaravone from void signals and degradant products was achieved. The method was precise and accurate at the concentration range of 6.8–68.6 µg/mL and was recommended to use without methyl hydroxybenzoate (MHB) as an internal standard.