Background

Dapagliflozin and saxagliptin are hypoglycemic agents used in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus as a fixed-dose combination, and their tablets are available on the market under the FDA-approved brand name QTERN® (2017). Dapagliflozin is an inhibitor of sodium glucose co-transporter-2, which is responsible for glucose reabsorption from the glomerular filtrate in the kidney. Saxagliptin is a competitive and reversible dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme inhibitor that decreases glucagon-like peptide insulinotropic hormone-1 breakdown for improved glycemic regulation in patients with diabetes [1].

Analytical methods with HPLC technique are developed to support drug testing during production and quality release operations as well as during long-term stability studies against requirements. Due to numerous factors such as restricted availability of chromatographic columns, solvents and chemicals and critical physicochemical properties of analytes such as solubility, pKa, and stability, one factor at a time (OFAT) based analytical methods (trial and error based on one variable) experience several difficulties in optimizing robust chromatographic conditions. The model of analytical quality by design (AQbD) is a preferred and recommended approach to be adopted in the development of analytical methods to achieve regulatory versatility [2,3,4,5,6,7]. AQbD approach in chromatographic method development explores greater understanding of the parameters that must be regulated and tracked during the method’s life cycle.

Literature survey revealed that there were few reports published on the simultaneous quantification of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin using UV [8], HPTLC [9], HPLC [10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18], and LC-MS [19, 20] techniques in bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage forms. Few methods were reported for analysis of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin separately [21,22,23,24] and in combination with other drugs [25,26,27,28,29]. Literature methods concerted largely on the development and validation of a RP-HPLC methods using different organic phases at different wavelengths and sensitive spectroscopic methods. The literature HPLC methods were based on OFAT variation conditions, which were time consuming and may not have scientific evidence during development stage. Hence, present project has undertaken with the quality-by-design approach in robust HPLC method development for simultaneous analysis of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin in API and marketed dosage form.

Methods

Instrumentation

The HPLC system (Shimadzu Corporation, Japan) was connected to the LC solution software, consisting of binary pump (LC-20AD), Rheodyne syringe sample injector (20 μL), and an UV detector (SPD-20A). Type-II (paddle) dissolution apparatus (Electro lab TDT-08L), ultra-sonicator (RK 106, Spincotech), millipore (0.45 μm) filters, and digital pH meter (LI-120, Elico) were utilized for this work. Design-Expert version 11.0.5.0 software (Stat-Ease Inc. Minneapolis) was employed for designing of LC experiments and response-modeling to generate design space for optimized robust analytical method.

Chemicals and reagents

The reference standards of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin were obtained from Hetero Laboratories, Hyderabad, India. Marketed formulation (QTERN) with label claim 10 mg of dapagliflozin and 5 mg of saxagliptin per tablet was procured from local pharmacy. All solvents used for mobile phase were of HPLC grade and obtained from Merck, Mumbai, India.

Chromatographic conditions

Chromatographic separation of analytes was achieved on SPOLAR C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5μ) column at ambient temperature with isocratic elution. The mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile: phosphate buffer, pH 5.8 (26:74% v/v) at flow rate of 0.96 mL/min. Injection volume was 20 μL and UV detection at 236 nm.

Preparation of standard solution

In order to prepare binary standard solution, dapagliflozin (20 mg), and saxagliptin (10 mg) were weighed, decamped into volumetric flask of 10 mL and dissolved in diluent by sonication. Volume was contrived up to the mark with diluent solution and the flask was shaken well (solution A). Further 0.1 mL of this solution was diluted to 10 mL with diluent so as to get binary working standard solution concentration of 20 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL for dapagliflozin and saxagliptin, respectively.

Method development using AQbD approach

Method optimization was premeditated with 20 experimental runs under (8 factorial points, 6 center points, and 6 axial points with α= 0.6073) central composite design (CCD) to study the interactions of the three critical method parameters (CMPs), namely [S1], % acetonitrile (X1), aqueous phase pH (X2), and flow rate (X3). The chromatographic responses (resolution, capacity factor) were obtained through experimentation on HPLC instrument using working standard solution of dapagliflozin (20 μg/mL) and saxagliptin (10 μg/mL). Statistical analysis was performed together with CCD in the Design-Expert software. The significance of factors was calculated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Design space was generated by numerical optimization where Derringer’s desirability function was used to attain high method performance criteria.

Method validation

The validation parameters like precision, linearity, accuracy, system suitability, sensitivity, and robustness were premeditated in accordance to ICH Q2(R1) guidelines.

Linearity

Aliquots of 0.002, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mL were withdrawn from mixed standard stock and diluted to 10 mL with mobile phase such that the final concentration of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin and in the range of 0.2-300 μg/mL and 0.1-150 μg/mL was obtained respectively. Calibration curve was generated by plotting the peak area against the concentration of drug.

System suitability

The efficiency of optimized method was monitored by system suitability test. It was carried out via injection of freshly prepared working standard solution into HPLC under optimized conditions for six times. The chromatographic responses (analytical attributes) studied were retention time, resolution, capacity factor, theoretical plate number, peak area, selectivity factor, and tailing factor of analyte peaks.

Precision

Repeatability of proposed method was verified by analyzing 6 replicate injections of freshly prepared working standard solution of dapagliflozin (100 μg/mL) and saxagliptin (50 μg/mL) in mobile phase on the same day. Intermediate precision was performed by analyzing replicates of same concentration solution prepared in three consecutive days. The peak area of the analytes was determined and %RSD was calculated.

Accuracy

Recovery of standard that spiked to target concentration of sample at three levels (80, 100, 120%) was studied for method accuracy. The % recovery of drug was calculated by measurement of its peak area in the chromatogram.

Specificity

Specificity of the method was established by comparing the chromatogram of blank (mobile phase), placebo solution, and matrix (degradants) with test solution (analytes in mobile phase). The placebo solution comprises all the commonly used excipients for manufacturing of tablet dosage form. Stress degraded samples were prepared as mentioned in the forced degradation studies where the drugs were exposed to various stress conditions such as acid, base, peroxide, heat, and light to generate their degradation products.

Sensitivity

Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were premeditated from the regression analysis data of linearity studies (LOD = 3.3 σ/s, LOQ = 10 σ/s; where σ, standard deviation of response; s, slope of calibration curve).

Robustness

In order to assess the robustness of the method, deliberate changes in method, critical parameters were made within the design space. The variations in the parameters include pH (± 0.1), organic phase (± 1 %), and flow rate (± 0.04 mL/min) of mobile phase. The % RSD of theoretical plate number and retention time of chromatogram obtained for every variation was calculated.

Assay of marketed formulation

Twenty tablets of marketed formulation (QTERN), each containing 10 mg of dapagliflozin and 5 mg of saxagliptin were taken, average weight was measured and the fine powder was crushed. An accurately weighed amount of powder equal to 10 mg of dapagliflozin and 5 mg of saxagliptin was transferred to volumetric flask of 10 mL capacity containing methanol and sonicated for 15 min. The flask was shaken and volume was produced with methanol till the mark and filtered via Whatman filter paper (no: 41). From the filtrate, 0.2 mL was transferred into 10 mL volumetric flask and the volume was leveled to the mark with mobile phase. The amount of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin present in sample solution was determined.

Dissolution studies

Dissolution testing of marketed formulation was carried out in FDA-recommended dissolution media, i.e., acetate buffer pH 4.5 (1000 mL) for dapagliflozin and 0.1 N HCl with pH 1.2 (900 mL) for saxagliptin using paddle apparatus (USP apparatus 2) at 50 rpm and 37 ± 0.5 °C for 45 min. Sampling aliquots of 5 mL were withdrawn at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 45 min interval and replacing the fresh medium with an equal amount. After the end of each test time, sample aliquots were filtered. Filtrate of 0.1 mL was diluted 10 mL with mobile phase (phosphate buffer pH 5.8: acetonitrile, 74:26) and analyzed by the contemplated RP-HPLC method. Amount of drug dissolved (saxagliptin/dapagliflozin) was calculated using their respective calibration curves. The cumulative percentage of drug dissolved was plotted against the time.

Forced degradation studies

Stress studies were executed on saxagliptin and dapagliflozin standards under acid, base, oxidative, thermal, and UV light conditions. Acid degradation was carried out with 5 mL of mixed standard stock solution, to this 5 mL of 1 N hydrochloric acid was added and kept at 60 °C for 60 min, then neutralized with 1 N sodium hydroxide. From this, 0.2 mL was diluted to 10 mL with mobile phase and injected into the HPLC system. Similarly, 1 N sodium hydroxide for base degradation and hydrogen peroxide (6%) for oxidative conditions were used. Dry heat degradation (105 °C, 6 h) and light degradation (UV Chamber, 200-Watt h/m2, 48 h) were performed on selected drugs in solid state. After degradation, the solid samples (20 mg dapagliflozin/saxagliptin 10 mg) were dissolved in 10 mL methanol and 0.1 mL of this solution was diluted to 10 mL with mobile phase. These solutions were injected into the HPLC system and sample stability assessment chromatograms were documented.

Results

Analytical method development

Selection of detection wavelength

The individual standard solutions of dapagliflozin (20 μg/mL) and saxagliptin (10 μg/mL) were prepared in mobile phase and scanned in UV spectrophotometer [S3]. The overlaid UV spectra showed an iso-absorptive point at 236 nm, which was selected as detection wavelength in PDA detector.

Design of experiments

Design of experiments (DoE) tool of RSM was employed to optimize the critical method parameters (CMP). Central composite design runs [S4] were executed on HPLC system with respect to three variables such as % acetonitrile (X1), aqueous phase pH (X2), and flow rate (X3) to acquire resolution (Rs), capacity factor (K1’, K2’) as method control responses. CCD plan and experimental results were illustrated in Table 1. The data generated was analyzed using the statistical software.

Table 1 Central composite design and experimental results
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Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis of experimental observations was performed to evaluate significant factors that affect the chromatographic response, given in Table 2. Based on ANOVA results, it was found that the process model with X1, X2, and X3 along with interactions is highly significant (p<0.05) at 95% confidence level with curvature effect. The following second-order polynomial (quadratic) equations were generated consistently with models for each critical quality attribute.

$$ {Y}_1\ \left(\mathrm{Rs}\right)=3.61-1.57{X}_1+1.54{X}_2-0.72{X}_3-1.65{X}_1{X}_2-0.072{X}_1{X}_3+0.22{X}_2{X}_3-0.232{X_1}^2+0.829{X_2}^2-0.143{X_3}^2 $$
$$ {Y}_2\ \left({K}_1'\right)=5.13-1.59{X}_1-1.18{X}_2-1.36{X}_3+1.44{X}_1{X}_2+0.285{X}_1{X}_3-0.45{X}_2{X}_3-0.515{X_1}^2-0.09{X_2}^2+0.06{{\mathrm{X}}_3}^2 $$
$$ {Y}_3\ \left({K}_2'\right)=6.33-1.91{X}_1-1.11{X}_2-1.82{\mathrm{X}}_3+1.0{X}_1{X}_2+0.498{X}_1{X}_3-0.36{X}_2{X}_3-0.56{X_1}^2+0.167{X_2}^2+0.003{X_3}^2 $$
Table 2 ANOVA and regression analysis of selected models
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Factor–response relationship and probable interaction effects were studied by response surface analysis. Contour (2D) plots and response surface (3D) plots (Fig. 1) were produced as a function of significant variables while the third variable was kept constant at a definite level. Colored regions (blue-green-yellow-red) in Fig. 1 denoted the obtained response values from low to high with respect to variable interactions. Figure 1a signifies the influence of variable interaction on resolution, high resolution values observed at high pH, low % acetonitrile, and minimum flow values. Figure 1b, c signifies the factor interactions on capacity factor of both drugs. Optimum K’ values are accomplished with high pH and high flow rate at optimum % acetonitrile concentration.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Response surface plots of two variable interactions—(a) resolution; (b) dapagliflozin capacity factor; (c) saxagliptin capacity factor

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Design space

Multiple response optimization of variables for chromatographic separation of target analytes is carried using numerical optimization by setting up responses at desired goals. The one with desirability 1 was selected as an optimized solution out of three different solutions provided by the software. The design space generated through Derringer’s desirability function was portrayed in Fig. 2a, indicated high method performance owing to maximum desirability value (equal to 1). The perusal to Fig. 2a indicated the different regions for desirability values, the region (marked red) showed the maximum value which meets the desired goals, i.e., maximum resolution and capacity factor at target rage (1-5). The overlay plot of responses obtained from graphical optimization as illustrated in Fig. 2b, which exhibited method operable design region (MODR) and location of the optimized solution for the studied design. The perusal to Fig. 2b, indicated a region (yellow), which met the all-desired goals such as high resolution and optimum capacity factor values. The gray region with borders indicated the boundaries of responses against variables. MODR for the proposed method can be defined as organic phase (26-30%); pH (5.2-6.0); and flow rate (0.9-1.0 mL/min).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Design space: (a) numerical optimization—desirability study (3D plot); (b) graphical optimization-overlay plot

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Optimum chromatographic conditions were derived from the design space as mobile phase consists of acetonitrile: phosphate buffer, pH 5.8 (26:74% v/v) at flow rate of 0.96 mL/min gave efficient chromatographic separation of analytes on SPOLAR C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5μ) column with isocratic elution. Injection volume was 20 μL and UV detection at 236 nm. The chromatogram of standard solution of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin under optimized method conditions was illustrated in Fig. 3. Retention time of dapagliflozin was 3.5 min, saxagliptin was 5.0 min and symmetrical peaks were observed. Tailing factor of both the drugs were less than 2.0, resolution was greater than 2, and plate count of both the drugs were greater than 2000.

Fig. 3
figure 3

Chromatogram of dapagliflozin (Rt-3.5) and saxagliptin (Rt-5) under optimized conditions

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Method validation

The method was validated according to ICH Q2(R1) guidelines and obeyed all validation parameters. A linear calibration plot [S5] for the method was obeyed over the calibration range [S2, S6] of 0.2-300 μg/mL for dapagliflozin (Y=17890X+111969, r2=0.9991) and 0.1-150 μg/mL for saxagliptin (Y=73126X–75712, r2=0.999). Results of system suitability test and validation were represented in Table 3. System suitability test results indicated that analytical attributes produced with optimized method parameters were analogous within the predicted space. The % RSD values for intra-day and inter-day study were less than 2.0, endorsed the good repeatability of proposed method. Recovery tests confirmed the accuracy of the method and found it to be important within specification limits and afforded recovery 100.1-100.3% and 100.3-100.9% of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin, respectively.

Table 3 Results of method validation
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Chromatograms of blank and placebo had lack of peak at the retention time of target analytes. The chromatograms of stressed samples showed well-separated peaks of the analytes and degradation products (resolution>2), without alteration of analyte peak retention times, indicates method specificity. The LOD and LOQ values were found to be 0.061, 0.014 μg/mL, and 0.18, 0.043 μg/mL respectively for dapagliflozin and saxagliptin. Deliberate changes in method critical variables such as pH, flow rate, and organic phase (%) were made within MODR in order to facilitate the robustness of the method and results were represented in Table 4. The % RSD was below 2 for all variables, which point toward the robust method.

Table 4 Robustness data of optimized method
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Application of contemplated method

The results obtained for assay of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin were compared in the marketed formulation (QTERN) with the corresponding labeled quantities and the chromatogram obtained for sample solution had dearth of additional peaks, indicated no interference of the formulation excipients used in the tablets. The % assay of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin and found to be 99.3% and 99.6%, respectively.

Dissolution testing of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin combined marketed tablet formulation was carried out in FDA-described dissolution media. The amount of drug dissolved was analyzed by the proposed RP-HPLC method without interference due to excipients. The cumulative drug release (%) was plotted against the time, depicted in Fig. 4. The perusal to Fig. 4 indicated that 97 and 94% of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin were released respectively from the marketed formulation (QTERN). The maximum in vitro release of drugs was found within 45 min. Hence, the proposed method can be used for dissolution testing of targeted drugs.

Fig. 4
figure 4

Dissolution profile of drugs in marketed dosage form (QTERN)

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Forced degradation studies have been carried out to establish the stability-indicating property of the method and the peaks of degraded products are well estranged from the peaks of title analytes at different retention times, recorded in Fig. 5, proven method’s specificity. Summary of degradation studies was reported in Table 5. It was observed that saxagliptin was prone oxidative degradation. Significant degradation of dapagliflozin was observed with acidic and alkali hydrolysis condition. Stress degradation study results of both drugs revealed their stability under neutral hydrolysis condition. However, these degradation products do not be (or less) observed in normal course of degradation.

Table 5 Results of stress degradation studies
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Fig. 5
figure 5

HPLC separation of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin under stress conditions—acid (a), base (b), neutral (c), oxidative (d), UV light (e), and thermal (f)

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Discussion

Central composite design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM) was exploited to optimize experimental conditions for HPLC separation of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin, since RSM in HPLC method development provides an effective, competent approach for studying all critical parameters at the same instance, and at two levels (low, high) with lowest number of runs. Statistical analysis revealed that factor effects and interactions are highly significant (p<0.05) at 95% confidence levels. The highest least squares regression values (r2>0.993) of responses are obtained for selected models (quadratic). Coefficient of variation (CV) found to be less than 10% indicates reproducibility of model. A strong relationship between the experimental results and those of the models fitted was suggested. The model aptness is endorsed by lowest PRESS value, high adjusted R2 value (~1), high adequate precision (>4), non-significant lack of fit (p>0.05), and agreement of predicted R2 with adjusted R2 (difference<0.2). High degree of interaction among the studied CMPs on the method attributes is revealed by curvatures in response surface plots.

Figure 6 showed the contour plots of all responses and design space for optimized method are characterized with respect to critical method variables. It can be used to find out the response for a given set of input variables. The perusal to Fig. 6a showed the two variable interaction effect on resolution. The resolution is evidenced to vary non-linearly descending manner with increase in % acetonitrile. The maximum resolution observed with extremely high levels of buffer pH values. High resolution between analyte peaks is recommended to get good separation, accomplished with high flow rate. Figure 6b represents the influence of variables on capacity factor of dapagliflozin. The % organic phase revealed a curvilinear trend with aqueous buffer pH of mobile phase. The influence of variables on the saxagliptin capacity factor is markedly different, portrayed in Fig. 6c. It showed significant interaction between X1 and X2. Low-capacity factor values were observed with mobile phase containing low % organic component and buffer with high pH value.

Fig. 6
figure 6

Contour plots of optimized method for responses: (a) resolution; (b) dapagliflozin capacity factor; (c) saxagliptin capacity factor

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The accuracy of predicted conditions within design space is verified by actual experimentation, results obtained are compared with predicted space and observed that the % prediction error (= [(observed−predicted)/predicted]×100) associated with predicted set of conditions is less than ± 10%. This assured the consistency of method performance as per intended use.

Method comparison with literature methods

Present method was found to be cost-effective owing to utilization of low % (26%) organic mobile phase than latest literature [10]. The analytical run duration for the proposed method is short (6 min); hence, this method was rapid and superior than literature methods [8, 11,12,13]. When compared with previous HPLC reports [14,15,16,17,18] for this drug combination, the proposed method has advantages such as high resolution (7.3) and wide linearity range (0.1-150 μg/mL, 0.2-300 μg/mL). Low LOD and LOQ values furnished in the method signify the high sensitivity over literature methods. Moreover, present method was applied to in vitro dissolution as well as stability studies of target analytes. The proposed AQbD method was found to be superior to literature methods due to its ability to simulate the interactive effects of variables on performance of the method. The present strategy of response surface methodology can overcome the limitations of reported methods such as high number of experiments, no variable-interaction study, less robust, and less feasibility for method transfer.

Conclusion

New RP-HPLC stability portentous method was developed for simultaneous analysis of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form using analytical quality by design approach. In this strategy, various constraints related to efficient separation of both analytes were considered and critical method parameters were optimized using response surface methodology. The developed method was validated for specificity, accuracy, linearity, precision, robustness, and it conformed all validation parameters of ICH Q2(R1) guidelines. The proposed HPLC method is highly robust for method transfer, regulatory flexibility within design space and allows continuous improvement.