Enhanced oral bioavailability of levormeloxifene and raloxifene by nanoemulsion: simultaneous bioanalysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Aim & objective: Levormeloxifene (L-ORM) and raloxifene (RAL) are selective estrogen receptor modulators used in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer. Here, we developed and validated a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous estimation of both drugs. Materials & methods: A quality-by-design (QbD) approach was used for the optimization of the nanoemulsion, and US FDA guidelines were followed for method validation. Results: Multiple reaction monitoring transitions were used for L-ORM (459.05 -> 98.50), RAL (475.00 -> 112.02) and internal standard (180.10 -> 110.2). Analytes were resolved in a C18 column with 80:20 v/v% acetonitrile (ACN), 0.1% formic acid in triple-distilled water as a mobile phase. The developed method was linear over a concentration range of 1-600 ng/ml. Pharmacokinetic results of free L-ORM-RAL and the L-ORM-RAL nanoemulsion showed Cmax of free L-ORM - 70.65 +/- 16.64, free RAL 13.53 +/- 2.72, L-ORM nanoemulsion 65.07 +/- 14.0 and RAL-nanoemulsion 59.27 +/- 17.44 ng/ml. Conclusion: Future findings will contribute to the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer using L-ORM and RAL.