Development of an LC–MS/MS Method for Quantifying Occidiofungin in Rabbit Plasma
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Fungal infections are caused by opportunistic pathogens that can be life threatening and have been growing in prevalence. Many clinically relevant pathogens have resistance to or are developing resistance to the commonly used antifungal treatments. Occidiofungin (OCF) is a unique cyclic lipoglycopeptide with a novel structure that includes noncanonical amino acid in its covalent structure. It exhibits broad spectrum antifungal activity and has activity against drug resistant Candida species. Occidiofungin is a fungicidal compound that has a novel mechanism of action in which it disrupts higher order actin structures. Currently, occidiofungin is being developed for use in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). This study describes the development and application of a bioanalytical method for the quantification of occidiofungin in rabbit plasma. Method development was performed to quantify occidiofungin in rabbit plasma after intravaginal administration of a hydrogel containing occidiofungin. The method was validated with a linear range of 30-15 000 ng/mL in rabbit plasma. Precision, accuracy, calibration curve linearity, and stability of drug in plasma were established in quality controls. Extract stability, matrix effects, and recovery of drug in the extract were also determined. This study supported a repeat dose toxicity study in rabbits to determine occidiofungin pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics. The pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic primarily showed plasma concentrations of occidiofungin below the limit of quantification (BLOQ), suggesting that OCF-B does not readily cross the vaginal epithelial membrane.
Source: Journal of Mass Spectrometry
DOI: 10.1002/jms.5121
Authors: Andrew Cothrell, Ravi S. Orugunty, Leif Smith
Institution: Texas A&M University
Language: English
Subfield: Analytical Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,430
Award: G4390875444
OpenAlex ID: W4408667379
