Simultaneous quantitation of favipiravir and its hydroxide metabolite in human plasma and hamster matrices using a UPLC–MS/MS method

Abstract

Favipiravir, a broad‐spectrum RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, is currently being evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of various infectious diseases including COVID‐19. We developed an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) assay for the quantification of favipiravir and its hydroxide metabolite (M1), in human and hamster biological matrices. Analytes were separated on an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) after a simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The mobile phase consisted of water and methanol, each containing 0.05% formic acid. Experiments were performed using electrospray ionization in the positive and negative ion mode, with protonated molecules used as the precursor ion and a total run time of 6 min. The MS/MS response was linear over the concentration ranges from 0.5–100 μg/ml for favipiravir and 0.25–30 μg/ml for M1. Intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision were within the recommended limits of the European Medicines Agency guidelines. No significant matrix effect was observed, and the method was successfully applied to inform favipiravir dose adjustments in six immunocompromised children with severe RNA viral infections. In conclusion, the UPLC–MS/MS assay is suitable for quantification of favipiravir over a wide range of dosing regimens, and can easily be adapted to other matrices and species.