Validation of an HPLC Method for the Determination of Valdecoxib and its Degradation Product: a Mixture of α- and β-n-Lactosyl Sulfonamide Anomers

An HPLC method has been developed for the separation of valdecoxib and a degradation product consisting of α and β-N-lactosyl sulfonamide, i.e. α and β anomers (SC-77852). Best results were achieved with a Chromolith Performance RP-18e column (100 mm × 4.6 mm), macropore size 2 μm, mesopore size 13 nm, with an eluent of methanol:water containing a 1% solution of TEA (36:64 v/v), pH 7.4 (adjusted with 85% orthophosphoric acid), at 22 °C. Detection was at 220 nm. The method was validated for its selectivity, linearity, precision (repeatability) and robustness. Quantitation and detection limits were determined for both valdecoxib and SC-77852. Method robustness was further evaluated by performing 2³ full factorial design experiments. The final step, optimisation of the variables, was performed using response surface design. The validated method was used for assay of valdecoxib and SC-77852 in Bextra^® film-coated tablets.