Implementing analytical quality by design in reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography for simultaneous estimation of teriflunomide and quercetin: Applicability in dual drug loaded topical microemulsion

The current study reports the development of a novel, robust, and sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of teriflunomide (TFD) and quercetin (QCN) in dual drug-loaded microemulsion. TFD and QCN have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by targeting various inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This analytical method employs a risk-based approach and follows the principles of analytical quality by design (AQbD). The study involved preliminary screening trials and systematic risk analysis to identify critical method attributes, that significantly impact the critical quality attributes (CQAs). For the optimization of method,a face centered central composite design was utilized, and 16 experimental runs were performed using design expert software version 7.0.0. Chromatographic conditions were carefully optimized using AQbD, falling within the design space and consisting of ammonium acetate buffer (pH 3.5) and acetonitrile (60:40, % v/v) with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. An analytical Hibar Lichospher 100 RP-18e column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 mu m) was employed, with detection wavelength of 280 nm and 367 nm for TFD and QCN, respectively. The optimized method underwent validation according to ICH guidelines and demonstrating applicability for evaluating topical microemulsion.