Optimized LC-MS/MS method for quantifying insulin degludec and liraglutide in rat plasma and Tissues: Application in pharmacokinetics and biodistribution

Abstract

We present an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous detection of insulin degludec (I-Deg) and liraglutide (LIRA) in rat plasma and tissues, characterized by its sensitivity and selectivity. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column, leveraging a mobile phase of acetonitrile and water (both with 0.1 % formic acid) under gradient elution over a run time of 7.5 min. The mass spectrometer operated in positive electrospray ionization multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, tracking transitions of m/z 1221.6 → 641.6 for I-Deg, m/z 938.7 → 1064.1 for LIRA, and m/z 1184.7 → 454.4 for the internal standard. Validation ranged from 5 to 100 ng/mL, exhibiting robust linearity (r2 > 0.99) and limits of detection (LOD) of 1.63–2.02 ng/mL for I-Deg and 0.96–1.62 ng/mL for LIRA. Limits of quantification (LOQ) were 2.38–4.76 ng/mL for I-Deg and 3.22–4.40 ng/mL for LIRA. Notably, no significant matrix effects were detected. Stability was confirmed under various conditions, and precision metrics (intraday RSD 1.68–8.05 % for I-Deg and 1.11–7.69 % for LIRA; interday RSD 1.39–8.61 % for I-Deg and 1.06–8.83 % for LIRA) alongside accuracy (90.5–114.9 % for I-Deg and 92.7–113.7 % for LIRA) were within acceptable ranges. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies following simultaneous subcutaneous administration of LIRA and I-Deg in rats.