Method for quantifying lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 2, 3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2-oxolysergide (o-h-LSD) in human plasma

Abstract

A method for determining and identifying LSD and its major metabolite O-H-LSD by performing LC-MS / MS analysis to determine and identify LSD and O-H-LSD in a sample.SOLUTION: A method for treating and monitoring an individual taking a LSD by administering a microdose of a LSD, a prodrug of a LSD, or an analog of a LSD to the individual, monitoring the individual by obtaining a sample from the individual, measuring and identifying an analyte in the sample by performing LC-MS / MS analysis, and adjusting the microdose based on the amount of LSD quantified in the LC-MS / MS analysis. A method for adjusting the dosing of a LSD by administering a microdose of the LSD, a prodrug of the LSD, or an analog of the LSD to an individual and adjusting the microdose based on blood concentration analysis results.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1-1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Grant Information The work in this application was supported by grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation (Grant No. This work was supported in part by a grant from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NIRS).

[0002] 1.Technical Field The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the quantification and identification of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and its major metabolite 2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2-oxolysergide (OH-LSD) in human plasma. [Background technology]

[0003] 2.Background technology LSD is a typical hallucinogen (psychedelic drug) that is widely used recreationally (Krebs & Johansen, 2013). However, there are advances in efforts to use LSD to treat depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, and cluster headaches, among others (Gasser et al., 2014). ;Liechti, 2017). In addition, LSD microdosing has been shown to improve cognitive function and mood. In this regard, users take very low doses of LSD, 5–20 μg, at intervals of 2–5 days (Hutten et al., 2019). Microdoses of LSD may be used therapeutically in the future to treat diseases (Kuypers et al., 2019; Kuypers, 2020). For example, microdoses of LSD have been shown to improve pain perception in humans. ( Ramaekers et al., 2021 ) and reduce the increase in markers of nerve regeneration ( Hutten et al., 2020 ).

[0004] With the rapidly growing interest in the application of LSD as a potential therapeutic agent for various psychiatric disorders, it is essential to expand knowledge of its clinical pharmacology, especially its pharmacokinetics (PK). Therefore, measuring LSD exposure in patients and users is essential for studying the relationship between drug exposure and therapeutic or toxic effects. PK data are necessary to generate reference concentration values ​​for adjusting dosing in patients treated with LSD. For example, plasma concentrations may be measured in patients who do not exhibit the expected acute psychoactive response to LSD, i.e., who have an inadequate therapeutic response. For this purpose, methods for measuring LSD concentrations in plasma at defined time points or repeatedly are needed (C max If the patient's values ​​are consistent with those of a comparable drug (or adequate PK profile), they can then be compared with baseline data from a larger population to determine appropriate dosing and adjust the dosage within a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) approach for LSD-assisted therapy. Furthermore, drug-drug interactions are being investigated, which is crucial to ensuring safe and effective therapy. In this context, quantifying LSD metabolites, such as OH-LSD, is equally important to help interpret drug-drug interaction data. Finally, given that LSD may be more readily available if it is available as a therapeutic agent, suitable bioanalytical methods are needed to identify drug abuse.

[0005] PK data have been established primarily for high doses of LSD (Dolder et al., 2015; Dolder et al., 2017; Holze et al., 2019; Holze et al., 2021b). In contrast, PK data for LSD of Rhodose are scarce (Family et al., 2020; Holze A key limitation to establishing PK data for microdosing is sensitive analytical methods to detect and accurately quantify LSD plasma levels after administration of very low doses of LSD. The present innovation provides such a method. .

[0006] Overall, the detection and reliable quantification of LSD is challenging, especially when administered in microdoses. Several studies have investigated the subjective and behavioral effects of LSD microdoses (Bershad et al., 2019; Holze et al., 2021a; Yanakieva et al., 2019), but only two studies managed to also report the plasma concentration-time profile of LSD (Family et al., 2020; Holze et al., 2021). The sensitivity of the methods used Plasma levels of the 5 μg LSD dose could not be determined in one study due to insufficient data (Family et al., 2020), and the 10 and 20 μg treatments were incompletely defined. Only a limited profile was established, which only partially covered the absorption and excretion of LSD. In the other study, the quantification method was sensitive and consisted of the method presented here, but plasma could only be sampled in a small number of participants (Holze et al., 2021). Therefore, more PK data on LSD, including microdoses, are needed, and novel, sensitive, and optimized detection methods are needed.

[0007] Over the past few decades, several methods for quantifying LSD and OH-LSD have been developed, as summarized in Figure 1. Most methods focused on quantifying LSD for drug screening or preliminary pharmacokinetic studies and required limited sample sizes. In the 1990s, several gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) methods were developed primarily for quantifying LSD and OH-LSD in urine and also in plasma. These methods required large sample volumes of 2–10 ml and, as such, necessitated laborious extraction procedures involving liquid-liquid or solid-phase extraction. The resulting extracts had to be evaporated and resuspended in a solvent suitable for gas chromatography analysis. Finally, in most cases, derivatization of the analytes was essential to improve the separation and sensitivity of the method. Around 2000, the first liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) methods were established for the analysis of LSD in human biological fluids. Although these methods required small sample volumes (approximately 1 ml), the extraction protocols were still complex, involving liquid-liquid or solid-phase purification of biological samples. However, in contrast to gas chromatography methods, derivatization could be omitted. Importantly, the total analysis time per sample was rarely less than 10 minutes. Over the past decade, novel LC-MS / MS methods have been developed, achieving limits of quantification in the low pg / ml range. Surprisingly, only a few methods have achieved limits of quantification suitable for analyzing the PK of LSD microdoses. As described above, these methods used elaborate sample processing procedures and therefore still required moderate amounts of sample (approximately 0.5 ml). Overall, to the inventors' knowledge, none of the published methods are suitable for high-throughput analysis and, for that reason, are unsuitable when large amounts of sample must be analyzed. In addition, these methods are impractical for routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) analysis due to the complex extraction procedures.

[0008] Therefore, there remains a need for novel and effective methods for determining LSD and OH-LSD in plasma, especially after treatment with LSD microdoses. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a method for measuring and identifying LSD and its major metabolite OH-LSD by obtaining a sample from an individual and performing an LC-MS / MS analysis to measure, identify, and quantify LSD and OH-LSD in the sample. do.

[0010] The present invention provides methods for treating and monitoring individuals taking LSD by administering to the individual a microdose of LSD, a prodrug of LSD, or an analog of LSD, monitoring the individual by obtaining a sample from the individual, measuring and identifying an analyte in the sample by performing an LC-MS / MS analysis, and adjusting the microdose based on the amount of LSD quantified in the LC-MS / MS analysis.

[0011] The present invention also provides a method for adjusting the dosage of LSD by administering a microdose of LSD, a prodrug of LSD, or an analog of LSD to an individual and adjusting the microdose based on blood concentration analysis results.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a table comparing the present invention with previously published analytical methods for quantifying LSD in human body fluids or tissues. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a graph of the gas chromatographic separation of LSD and OH-LSD and their respective internal standards, LSD-d3 and OH-LSD-d10, in human plasma. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a graph showing the calibration curves of LSD and OH-LSD in human plasma on July 18, 2020. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a graph showing the calibration curves of LSD and OH-LSD in human plasma on July 20, 2020. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a graph showing the calibration curves of LSD and OH-LSD in human plasma on July 21, 2020. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a graph showing that OH-LSD can be selectively determined in human plasma processed without an internal standard (double blank). Shown is an overlay of the chromatograms of the double blank (dark black line) and the LLOQ (dotted line) of OH-LSD from seven individuals. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a graph showing that LSD can be selectively determined in human plasma processed without internal standard (double blank). Shown is an overlay of chromatograms of the double blank (dark black line) and LLOQ (dotted line) of seven LSDs. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a graph showing the selective determination of OH-LSD in human plasma treated with an internal standard (blank). An overlay of the chromatograms of the blank (dark black line) and the LLOQ (dotted line) of OH-LSD from seven individuals is shown. [Figure 4D] Figure 4D is a graph showing that LSD can be selectively determined in human plasma treated with an internal standard (blank). An overlay of the chromatograms of the blank (dark black line) and LLOQ (dotted line) of seven LSDs is shown. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing that the pharmacokinetics of three healthy volunteers receiving an oral dose of 5 μg LSD can be established by the developed method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention is directed to measuring LSD and its metabolite OH-LSD in human samples such as plasma. The method has been validated and provides information about its application in human subjects, including the quality and performance of the method and the first description of the pharmacokinetics of very low doses of LSD, including microdoses of 5-25 μg of LSD.

[0015] As used herein, "sample" refers to a sample of plasma, blood, urine, saliva, or other bodily fluid from an individual, preferably a human or mammal.

[0016] As used herein, "metabolite" refers to an intermediate or end product of the original active compound as a metabolic product. The metabolite in the present invention is preferably a metabolite of LSD, including OH-LSD. In addition to LSD, other prodrugs of LSD have been described or developed. The method can also be used to determine the amounts of LSD and OH-LSD after administration of any other prodrug of LSD or any other LSD analog that results in the same metabolite. Furthermore, the method can be adapted to include the analysis of other ergotamine compounds. This includes the concepts of analytical methods and TDM for LSD analog-assisted psychotherapy.

[0017] As used herein, "LC-MS / MS" refers to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analytical chemistry technique.

[0018] The present invention provides a method for measuring and identifying LSD and its metabolite OH-LSD by obtaining samples from individuals and performing LC-MS / MS analysis to measure and identify the analytes in the samples. In contrast to existing LC-MS / MS methods, the present invention can process samples in a less laborious manner and therefore requires less time for analysis. Thus, a well plate containing 96 samples can be processed within 40 minutes. It involves two steps: sample extraction (addition of extraction solvent to each sample) and 30 minutes of centrifugation of the plate. Furthermore, the sample analysis time, the chromatographic run, is shorter than almost all existing methods, making the present method suitable for high-throughput analysis. The analytical run time can be as short as 4 minutes per sample.

[0019] The present invention requires significantly less sample material and is more or at least equally sensitive than other known methods. The amount of sample required from a subject is 300 μL, which is sufficient if a reanalysis must be performed. A 50 μL sample can be used in the actual LC-MS / MS method. In terms of absolute sensitivity, the present invention can quantify 0.5 pg LSD, whereas the quantification limit of existing methods is greater than 2.5 pg. This low quantification limit makes it possible to quantify plasma levels of LSD after administration of a microdose of LSD, which cannot be accurately measured by existing methods. This high sensitivity also makes it possible to quantify plasma levels of LSD using human plasma for longer periods after administration of any dose of LSD and to extend the window of time for positive confirmation of a history of LSD use. Quantification by this method can be performed up to 6 hours after administration. Importantly, methods using the same type of tandem mass spectrometer, API 5500, did not reach our limit of quantification, demonstrating the comparative advantages of our extraction and chromatographic approach (Grumann et al., 2019) (Steuer et al., 2017). Finally, this invention provides a benchmark P for future TDM. This analytical method and associated TDM application can be used to identify individuals who have taken LSD and whether their LSD levels are within the therapeutic range. LSD dosing can be adjusted as needed for individuals based on the amount of LSD quantified in the method. Additionally, simultaneous determination of OH-LSD can be used to interpret drug-drug interactions or the effects of diseases such as hepatic or renal failure on the PK properties of LSD.

[0020] A thorough development and thorough validation of an LC-MS / MS method in accordance with regulatory biochemical analysis guidelines (FDA / EMA) is provided for the analysis of LSD and OH-LSD in humans (EMA, 2011; FDA, 2018). Herein, a state-of-the-art LC-MS / MS method is described to investigate the PK of LSD and OH-LSD. This method offers advantages over other prior art methods, including at least five times greater sensitivity, reduced sample volume, a simple extraction protocol, and rapid sample analysis. To realize the aforementioned methodological advantages, plasma proteins were precipitated with acetonitrile. The sample was then centrifuged to collect the precipitate at the bottom of the analytical tube, allowing the protein-free supernatant to be injected into the LC-MS / MS system. The injected sample was diluted online via a T-union placed before the analytical column to enhance interaction with the column. A pH-tolerant analytical column was selected to use a high pH of 9.0 for mobile phase A. This further improved the attraction and retention of LSD to the column, and thus the sensitivity of the method. Overall, a semi-automated workflow for extracting and analyzing samples in a 96-well plate format is now possible with this invention, facilitating high-throughput analysis. Relatedly, this method has been put into practice, and its clinical applicability has been demonstrated by evaluating the PK of LSD microdoses in healthy participants in a clinical trial. It was demonstrated that the lowest dosage of 5 μg LSD can be easily monitored over time in human plasma.

[0021] LSD is a prototypical hallucinogen and is being investigated as a pharmaceutical to treat a range of psychiatric disorders (Gasser et al., 2014; Liechti, 2017). The pharmacokinetic properties of LSD, especially at low doses, are poorly characterized, with only two preliminary studies (Family et al., 2020; Holze et al., 2021a). There is a need for accurate and rapid measurement of LSD plasma levels to analyze human plasma samples from pharmacokinetic studies and other clinical trials. OH-LSD is the primary inactive metabolite of LSD, which is largely excreted by the kidney.

[0022] Once LSD is marketed and used routinely in patients, there will be a need to determine plasma concentrations for TDM. For example, plasma levels of the drug can be determined to adjust medication in patients who are not responding to regular doses of LSD. However, a method is needed to reliably and rapidly measure LSD concentrations in plasma and provide such information to physicians. Therefore, the method must be simple to be practical for routine analysis. In addition, the metabolic ratio of LSD to OH-LSD may be used to identify slow or rapid metabolizers. The metabolic ratio is also useful for adjusting doses if the patient suffers from renal or hepatic failure. Finally, LSD and OH-LSD levels can be used to diagnose intoxication. Therefore, the present invention has been developed and validated, and includes a rapid LC-MS / MS method for quantifying LSD and OH-LSD in human plasma. Plasma samples were treated by protein precipitation using acetonitrile. The injected samples were then washed with a pH-stable C solution to increase analyte retention. 18 Before the analytical column, they were mixed with an aqueous solution of ammonium bicarbonate (pH 9). LSD and OH-LSD were detected by multiple reaction monitoring in positive and negative electrospray ionization modes, respectively.

[0023] The present invention provides methods for treating and monitoring individuals taking LSD by administering to the individual a microdose of LSD, a prodrug of LSD, or an analog of LSD, monitoring the individual by obtaining a sample from the individual, measuring and identifying an analyte in the sample by performing an LC-MS / MS analysis, and adjusting the microdose based on the amount of LSD quantified in the LC-MS / MS analysis. This method can be used to slightly adjust the dosage and effects of LSD in an individual. Because microdoses are so small, their potency or toxicity can vary dramatically. Therefore, it is crucial to measure the amount of LSD in vivo and monitor individuals to adjust dosage.

[0024] The present invention also generally provides methods for adjusting the dosage of LSD by administering a microdose of LSD, a prodrug of LSD, or an analog of LSD to an individual and adjusting the microdose based on blood concentration analysis results obtained by performing LC-MS / MS analysis as described above.

[0025] As described in Example 1 below, interassay accuracy of 94.1-104% and precision of ≤9.1% were recorded across three validation runs. Recovery was satisfactory (≥98.3%) and, importantly, consistent across different concentration levels and plasma batches (CV%: ≤3.84%). Ionization suppression caused by the plasma matrix was minimal (-10.0%), allowing endogenous interferents to be separated from the analytes. LSD and OH-LSD plasma samples could be thawed and refrozen three times and stored at room temperature for 8 hours without degradation (≤8.83%). The linear range of the method (R ≥0.997) covered plasma concentrations observed in humans after LSD doses as low as 5 μg and as high as 200 μg, allowing the pharmacokinetics of LSD and OH-LSD to be assessed. The LC-MS / MS method is convenient and reliable for measuring LSD and OH-LSD in plasma and is useful for facilitating the clinical development of LSD and TDM when LSD is used in patients.

[0026] The present invention is further described in detail by reference to the following experimental examples. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed in any way as being limited to the following examples, but rather as including any and all variations that become evident as a result of the teachings provided herein. [Example]

[0027] Example 1 the purpose The objective of this study was to validate an analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2-oxolysergide (OH-LSD) in human plasma on an API 5500 QTRAP LC-MS / MS system. The method has been used to analyze plasma samples from clinical trials using LSD. Analysis was performed at the University Hospital Basel.

[0028] Overview of biochemical analysis methods A bioanalytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of LSD and OH-LSD in human plasma samples by LC-MS / MS on an API 5500 QTRAP tandem mass spectrometer. Calibration (Cal) and quality control (QC) samples were prepared in human plasma. Daily performance was controlled by analysis of the QC samples. Sample workup was performed with 50 μl human plasma, with a 50 μl aliquot mixed with 150 μl of internal standard (ISTD) calibration solution. The sample was vortexed for approximately 1 minute and centrifuged to obtain a clear supernatant free of plasma proteins. A 10 μl aliquot of the supernatant was injected into the LC-MS / MS system. The same assay procedure was used for all Cal and QC samples. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was set at 10 pg / ml, whereas the upper limit of quantification (ULOQ) was set at 10,000 pg / ml. The analytical method is based on the FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance for Industry, May 2018. Validation was performed according to the specified acceptance criteria.

[0029] Reference item The following reference materials were used in the preparation of ISTN solutions and Cal and QC samples:

[0030] [Table 1]

[0031] Blank human plasma Blank human plasma (anticoagulant: lithium heparin) was obtained from the local blood donation center (Blutspendezentrum SRK beider Basel, Hebelstrasse 10, 4056 Basel, Switzerland). Plasma was stored at approximately -20°C.

[0032] Equipment, reagents, and materials LC-MS / MS system

[0033] [Table 2]

[0034] equipment

[0035] [Table 3]

[0036] HPLC columns

[0037] [Table 4]

[0038] chemicals

[0039] [Table 5]

[0040] LC-MS / MS system description How to obtain

[0041] [Table 6]

[0042] mobile phase

[0043] [Table 7]

[0044] Autosampler Cleaning Solution

[0045] [Table 8]

[0046] LC-MS / MS settings Initial HPLC settings

[0047] [Table 9]

[0048] [Table 10]

[0049] Between 1.0 and 3.0 minutes of each run, the HPLC flow was directed to the mass spectrometer (right valve position B), otherwise it was directed to the solvent waste bottle.

[0050] Analyte retention time

[0051] [Table 11]

[0052] Mass spectrometer setup

[0053] [Table 12]

[0054] The m / z values ​​of various ions used to monitor the concentrations of analytes and ISTDs in human plasma are listed below in Table 3. The chromatograms of LSD and OH-LSD are presented in FIG.

[0055] [Table 13]

[0056] Figure 2 shows chromatograms of LSD (5000 pg / ml) and OH-LSD (5000 pg / ml) in human plasma. 10was used as an internal standard. LSD and OH-LSD eluted at 1.78 and 1.51 minutes, respectively. The chromatogram was recorded on July 21, 2020.

[0057] Data Acquisition and Calculations Sample listing, acquisition methods, data collection, and quantification were performed using AB Sciex Analyst software. The data were generated using Excel software (version 1.7.1). The concentrations of LSD and OH-LSD in the calibration and QC samples were calculated by the internal standard method. Data on the mean, standard deviation, accuracy, and precision of the calibration and QC samples were calculated using Microsoft Excel Office 365 (Washington, USA).

[0058] Data Reporting Assay results for analytes were reported to three significant figures. Concentrations below 10 pg / ml were reported as "blq."

[0059] Preparation of stock solution and calibration curve solution Solution concentrations are based on the free and non-ionized form of the drug. All solutions were prepared in 1.5 ml microtubes (Sarstedt, Numbrecht, Germany).

[0060] LSD stock solution For Cal sample stock solution: 0.1 mg / ml LSD in acetonitrile

[0061] A solution of 0.1 mg / ml LSD in acetonitrile was purchased from Lipomed (Arlesheim, Switzerland).

[0062] QC sample stock solution: 1 mg / ml LSD in acetonitrile

[0063] An accurate weight of 1.0 mg LSD was purchased from Lipomed (Arlesheim, Switzerland). , and dissolved in 985 μl acetonitrile (LSD purity: 98.5%). ISTD stock solution: 0.1 mg / ml LSD-d3 in acetonitrile A solution of 0.1 mg / ml LSD-d3 in acetonitrile was purchased from Lipomed (Arlesheim, Switzerland).

[0064] OH-LSD stock solution Stock solution for Cal sample: 1 mg / ml OH-LSD in DMSO An exact weight of 1.094 mg OH-LSD was purchased from Toronto Research Chemicals (Ontario, Canada) and dissolved in 1050 μl DMSO (OH-LSD purity :96%).

[0065] Stock solution for QC samples: 1 mg / ml OH-LSD in DMSO An exact weight of 1.233 mg OH-LSD was purchased from Toronto Research Chemicals (Ontario, Canada) and dissolved in 1184 μl DMSO (OH-LSD purity :96%).

[0066] ISTD stock solution:-1mg / ml OH-LSD-d in MSO 10 OH-LSD-d weighing 1 mg 10 was dissolved in DMSO to a volume of 1000 μl.

[0067] The above preparation was shaken until completely dissolved and then stored in a freezer at -20°C.

[0068] Calibration curve solution Stock mixture for Cal samples (Mix-C): 2500 ng / ml LSD and OH-LSD Stock solutions of LSD (0.1 mg / ml) and OH-LSD (1 mg / ml) were individually diluted in DMSO to a final concentration of 10 μg / ml. Therefore, 50 μl of LSD (0.1 mg / ml) was mixed with 450 μL DMSO, and 10 μl of OH-LSD (1 mg / ml) was added to 990 μL DMSO. Then, 250 μl of each standard curve solution (10 μg / ml) was mixed with 500 μL DMSO. The resulting solutions had concentrations of 2500 ng / ml LSD and OH-LSD.

[0069] Stock mixture for QC sample (Mix-Q): 2500 ng / ml LSD and OH-LSD LSD and OH-LSD stock solutions (1 mg / ml) were individually diluted in DMSO to a final concentration of 10 μg / ml. Therefore, 10 μl of each stock solution was added to 990 μL of DMSO. Then, 250 μl of each standard curve solution (10 μg / ml) was mixed with 500 μL of DMSO. The resulting solutions had concentrations of 2500 ng / ml LSD and OH-LSD.

[0070] The above preparation was shaken until completely dissolved and then stored in a freezer at -20°C.

[0071] Preparation of calibration samples Ten Cal samples with concentrations ranging from 10 to 10,000 pg / ml were prepared using Mix-C calibration solution. The dilution procedures are reported in Tables 4A and 4B.

[0072] [Table 14]

[0073] The standard curve solution was stored at approximately -20°C in a 1.5 ml microtube (Sarstedt, Germany). The volumes reported in Table 4B were used to prepare 2 ml Cal samples in human plasma. 50 μl aliquots were stored in 0.75 ml microtubes at approximately −20° C.

[0074] Preparation of quality control samples Five different concentrations of QC samples of LSD and OH-LSD were prepared using the Mix-Q calibration solution. The calibration solution was prepared as described in Table 5A, while the QC in plasma was prepared according to Table 5B.

[0075] [Table 15]

[0076] The standard curve solution was stored at approximately -20°C in a 1.5 ml microtube (Sarstedt, Germany). The volumes reported in Table 5B were used to prepare 4 ml QC samples in human plasma. 50 μl aliquots were stored in 0.75 ml Thermo microtubes at approximately −20° C.

[0077] Preparation of internal standard solution ISTD calibration solution: 100 pg / ml LSD-d3 and 250 pg / ml OH-LSD-d in acetonitrile 10 50 μl LSD-d3 stock solution (0.1 mg / ml) was prepared in 450 μl acetonitrile to give a 10 μg / ml standard curve solution. 10 A stock solution (1 mg / ml) was prepared in 990 μl acetonitrile to give a 10 μg / ml solution.

[0078] 5 μL of LSD-d3 standard solution (10 μg / ml) and 12.5 μL of OH-LSD-d 10The standard curve solution (10 μg / ml) was added to 500 ml of acetonitrile to obtain 100 pg / ml and 250 pg / ml solutions, respectively. The solutions were stored at approximately −20° C.

[0079] Sample extraction Plasma samples used for the validation runs were thawed and worked up as described in 1-4 below. 1. Thaw individual Cal and QC samples (50 μl aliquots). 2. Add 150 μl ISTD (blank: acetonitrile). 3. Vortex for at least 30 seconds. 4. Centrifuge for 30 minutes at 10°C and 3220g.

[0080] Workup samples were stored at approximately 10°C if not used immediately.

[0081] Principles and Calculations Composition of analytical and validation runs The analytical run included two sets of 10 Cal samples, two double blank samples (without ISTD), two blank samples (with ISTD), and at least three QC samples at three different concentrations (low, medium, and high). For the validation run, five concentration levels (LLOQ, QC LOW , QC MID , QC HIGH Seven QC samples (ULOQ, ULQ) were examined. The QC samples were placed between two sets of calibration samples. Blank samples were run before and after calibration. The calibration and QC samples were worked up and analyzed in the same way.

[0082] Acceptance Criteria for Validation Runs The following conditions must be met:

[0083] The percent deviation of the lowest calibration point must be within ±20% of the nominal value.

[0084] The percent deviation of other Cal samples must be within ±15% of the nominal value.

[0085] At least 75% of all Cal samples (including the highest and lowest) must meet the above criteria.

[0086] The correlation coefficient (R) for the Cal curve must be greater than 0.99.

[0087] ≥ 67% (e.g., 5 out of 7) of the QC samples at one concentration level must be within ± 15% of their theoretical values. Concentrations had to be within ± 20% for the LLOQ.

[0088] The analyte signal intensity in the double blank sample was 2.0 times lower than the lower limit of the quantification signal. It must be less than 0%.

[0089] Acceptance criteria for analytical runs ≥ 67% (e.g. 5 out of 7) of all QC samples must be within ± 15% of the theoretical value. 33% of the QC samples (not all replicates are at the same concentration) can be outside ± 15% of the theoretical value; if not, the run is re-injected or completely re-analyzed.

[0090] Calibration sample calculation MultiQuant software (version 3.0.3) was used to perform linear regression by plotting the measured peak area ratios of each analyte and each deuterated ISTD against the nominal concentration. LSD-d3 was used to normalize the LSD response, while OH-LSD-d 10 was used for OH-LSD normalization. 1 / x 2A weighting factor of was selected for the linear regression. All Cal samples that met the specifications were used to generate the standard calibration curve. This means that for a valid run, the standard calibration curve consisted of at least 15 and at most 20 Cal samples. Cal samples that were out of specification were not used in any further calculations.

[0091] Calculation of quality control samples The calibration curve equations were used to back-calculate the concentrations of LSD and OH-LSD in the QC samples by using the corresponding peak area ratios. The values ​​obtained for each QC sample were checked against the acceptance criteria.

[0092] Test performance calculations accuracy Precision was determined as intra- and inter-assay reproducibility. The mean, standard deviation, and percentage relative standard deviation (%CV) were calculated for each QC concentration (intra-assay) and across the three validation runs (inter-assay).

[0093] Accuracy Accuracy was calculated from the overall average of each QC level divided by its nominal value within each assay (intra-assay) and across the three validation runs (inter-assay).

[0094] Selectivity I There should be no interference exceeding 20% ​​of the analyte peak area at the LLOQ level in drug-free human plasma for at least six different samples.

[0095] Selectivity II The average accuracy of at least six samples of analyte at different LLOQ levels should be within 80-120%. The accuracy of ≥ 67% of those samples (e.g., 5 out of 7) should be within 80-120%.

[0096] Carryover Carryover between samples was determined by injecting a ULOQ sample followed by two double-blank samples. The signal intensity of the analyte peak in the double-blank sample was compared to the signal intensity measured at the ULOQ level. The total carryover for the analytical system used typically accounts for approximately 0.1%. In addition, the analyte peak area in the double-blank sample was compared to the peak area determined at the LLOQ level. Carryover should be less than 20% of the LLOQ peak area; if not, an additional solvent sample must be included for analysis of the test sample.

[0097] Recovery and matrix effects Analyte and internal standard recoveries must be consistent, accurate, and reproducible according to the guidelines used ( FDA, 2018 ).

[0098] The matrix effect must be consistent across at least six matrix lots. The %CV of the matrix effect calculated from at least six matrix lots should not exceed 15%. This determination must be made at least at low and high concentration levels (EMA, 2011).

[0099] Stability Test Each analyte had to be stable in human plasma for at least three freeze-thaw cycles (to accommodate repeated sample preparation) and at least 8 hours at ambient temperature (maximum sample preparation time). Measured samples had to be stable for a second injection if the first analytical run was unsuccessful. Analytes had to be stable in the matrix at the intended storage temperature and test duration.

[0100] An analyte was considered stable in one of the above tests if no increase or decrease in analyte concentration of more than 15% was observed for the average of at least three analytical QC samples at low, medium, and high concentrations.

[0101] Experiment Description Validation Run Three valid validation runs were worked up on three different days. Each run consisted of two calibration curves (one at the beginning and one at the end of the validation run), two double blank samples, two blank samples, and 35 QC samples at five concentration levels. The QC levels were: LLOQ (10 pg / ml), QC LOW (25pg / ml), QC MID (100pg / ml), QC HIGH (1000 pg / ml), and ULOQ (10,000 pg / ml) concentration levels were included. Two double blank samples were run immediately after the analysis of the ULOQ samples to determine method carryover.

[0102] Selectivity I Double blank and blank human plasma from seven different subjects were worked up and analyzed during the validation run.

[0103] Selectivity II Seven blank plasma samples from different subjects were spiked with the analyte at the LLOQ, processed, and analyzed. The intra-assay accuracy and precision of the samples were assessed based on two calibration curves (one measured at the beginning and one at the end of the validation run).

[0104] Recovery and matrix effects For determination of recovery from human plasma, the peak areas of workup QC samples (samples spiked prior to extraction) were compared to the peak areas of workup blank plasma samples (supernatants) spiked with nominal analyte concentrations of QCLOW, QCMID, QCHIGH, and QCULOQ (samples spiked after extraction). The peak areas found in the spiked supernatants corresponded to 100% recovery and were compared to the corresponding peak areas of the spiked and processed plasma samples.

[0105] Matrix effects were investigated by measuring peaks in the absence of a matrix using water instead of plasma. The peak area in the presence of matrix (measured by analyzing blank plasma spiked with analyte after extraction) was determined for at least six different lots of matrix by calculating the ratio of the peak area in the presence of matrix to the peak area in the absence of matrix. This determination was performed for QCLOW, QCMID, QCHIGH, and ULOQ.

[0106] Stability Test Re-injection reproducibility Worked-up and measured Cal and QC samples (prepared in human plasma) of the correct runs were analyzed in duplicate. Re-injections were performed after overnight storage at 10°C (autosampler) and after 1 week of storage at -20°C. Runs were checked according to the acceptance criteria for validation runs. Calculated means for QC samples were compared between the initial and re-injection runs.

[0107] Benchtop Stability Testing Seven samples of each of the LLOQ, QCLOW, QCMID, QCHIGH, and ULOQ in human plasma were thawed at ambient temperature and held at this temperature for 8 hours. Samples were then worked up and analyzed. Concentration values ​​in the "short-term" samples were compared to freshly processed QC samples. Concentrations were calculated based on two freshly prepared CAL sets measured at the beginning and end of the validation run.

[0108] Freeze / thaw stability test Seven samples of each of the LLOQ, QCLOW, QCMID, QCHIGH, and ULOQ in human plasma were stored at approximately -20°C for at least 24 hours and then allowed to thaw at ambient temperature. Once completely thawed, the samples were refrozen under the same conditions for at least 12 hours. The freeze-thaw cycle was repeated two more times. After the third cycle, the samples were worked up and analyzed. The concentrations in the frozen and thawed samples were compared to freshly processed QC samples. Concentrations were calculated based on two freshly prepared CALs measured at the beginning and end of the validation run.

[0109] Method application To investigate the applicability of the developed method, LSD and OH-LSD concentrations were quantified in plasma samples from three healthy volunteers receiving a single oral dose of 5 μg, corresponding to the very low LSD dose used in LSD microdosing clinical trials (Holze et al., 2021a). The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Academic Hospital of Maastricht and Maastricht University. The use of LSD in humans was authorized by the Dutch Drug Enforcement Administration. All volunteers provided written informed consent prior to study participation. To establish concentration-time profiles, blood samples were collected in lithium heparin-coated tubes at the following time points after treatment: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Blood samples were centrifuged, and plasma was frozen at -20°C until analysis.

[0110] Method validation and application results A sensitive LC-MS / MS method was developed and fully validated with a simple and fast sample analysis workflow.

[0111] Method Validation Validation run: method linearity, accuracy, and precision LSD All calibration curves from the three validation runs were correct (Table 6). All were linear, with correlation coefficients of ≥0.997 (Figures 3A-3C). A total of 105 QC samples were analyzed during the validation run. Of these 105 QC samples, 100 met the specifications for QC samples (Table 8).

[0112] OH-LSD All calibration curves from the three validation runs were correct (Table 7). All calibration curves were linear, with correlation coefficients of ≥ 0.997 for all runs (Figures 3A-3C). A total of 105 QC samples were analyzed during the validation runs. Of these 105 QC samples, 99 met the specifications for QC samples (Table 9).

[0113] [Table 16]

[0114] [Table 17]

[0115] Figures 3A-3C show the calibration curves for LSD and OH-LSD in human plasma. Linearity was observed over the concentration range of 10-10,000 pg / ml, with a high correlation coefficient of ≥0.997. Analyses were performed on July 18 (A), 20 (B), and 21 (C) of 2020. The developed method achieves a lower limit of quantification of 10 pg / ml and shows a linear relationship between analyte signal and concentrations from 10-10,000 pg / ml.

[0116] [Table 18]

[0117] [Table 19]

[0118] Selectivity Selectivity I Workup double-blank human plasma from seven different subjects showed no significant interference with the analytes (≦12.1%) (Table 10). Selectivity was also determined in the presence of deuterated ISTD (blank sample). ISTD caused slight interference with LSD (≦15.3%) and minor interference with OH-LSD (≦25.4%). Importantly, the observed interference was consistent in plasma from different subjects. Overall, the method was selective for the analytes examined, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0119] [Table 20]

[0120] Figures 4A-4D show the selectivity of LSD and OH-LSD in human plasma. Overlays of double blank (thick black line) and LLOQ (dotted line) chromatograms for seven OH-LSDs (Figure 4A) and LSDs (Figure 4B) are shown. Overlays of blank (thick black line) and LLOQ (dotted line) chromatograms for seven OH-LSDs (Figure 4C) and LSDs (Figure 4D) are shown. The interference of the human plasma matrix is ​​negligible compared to the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) signals obtained for LSD and OH-LSD.

[0121] Figures 4A-4D show the selectivity of LSD and OH-LSD in human plasma. Overlays of double blank (gray) and LLOQ (turquoise) chromatograms for seven OH-LSDs (Figure 4A) and LSDs (Figure 4B) are shown. Overlays of blank (gray) and LLOQ (turquoise) chromatograms for seven OH-LSDs (Figure 4C) and LSDs (Figure 4D) are shown. The interference of the human plasma matrix is ​​negligible compared to the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) signals obtained for LSD and OH-LSD.

[0122] Selectivity II All samples met the selectivity II specifications (accuracy: 82.2-100%, precision for plasma 1-7: ≦6.29%), clearly demonstrating that the method is selective and sensitive for analyzing LSD and OH-LSD at concentrations below 10 pg / ml in plasma. The results for LSD and OH-LSD are shown in Table 11.

[0123] [Table 21]

[0124] Carryover Carryover between the two injections was ≦0.1%. Two double-blank samples were measured immediately after the injection of the ULOQ sample. The mean signal intensities of the second double-blank sample accounted, on average, for 19.6% and 14.7% of the signal at the LLOQ level for LSD and OH-LSD, respectively (Table 12).

[0125] [Table 22]

[0126] Recovery rate Overall recoveries for LSD and OH-LSD are listed in Tables 13 and 14, respectively. Recoveries were consistent across the entire concentration range for all analytes and were consistent across the different The mean recoveries of 98.3 ± 1.35% and 102 ± 3.84% were calculated for LSD and OH-LSD, respectively. 10 The recoveries of were similar compared to LSD and OH-LSD.

[0127] [Table 23]

[0128] [Table 24]

[0129] Matrix Effects The matrix effects of LSD and LSD-d3 are shown in Table 15. The mean matrix of LSD The matrix effect was +8% for LSD-d3 and +18% for LSD-d3. The matrix effect was consistent across different plasma lots (%CV ≤ 5.77%) and independent of the LSD concentration used (25-10,000 pg / mL: ≤ 5.53%).

[0130] [Table 25]

[0131] OH-LSD and OH-LSD-d 10 The matrix effects of OH-LSD-d are shown in Table 16. The average matrix effect of LSD was -10% and that of OH-LSD-d 10 The matrix effect was consistent across different plasma lots (%CV ≤ 5.77%) and independent of the OH-LSD concentration used (CV %25-10000 pg / mL: ≤ 2.65%).

[0132] [Table 26]

[0133] Stability Test Re-injection reproducibility The validation run and its reinjection were satisfactory. This indicates that the run can be reinjected after overnight storage at 10°C in the autosampler and after at least one week of storage at -20°C in the event of a malfunction of the LC-MS / MS system. The mean deviations of the QCs for the two runs after overnight storage at 10°C were between -0.451% and +2.3% for the LSD and between -1.59% and +2.08% for the OH-LSD. The reinjected QC samples met the specification criteria for the validation run. The results are shown in Tables 17 and 18. The mean deviations of the QCs for the two runs after 8 days at -20°C were between -1.85% and +1.02% for the LSD and between -2.09% and +1.9% for the OH-LSD. The reinjected QC samples met the specification criteria for the validation run. The results are shown in Tables 19 and 20.

[0134] [Table 27]

[0135] [Table 28]

[0136] [Table 29]

[0137] [Table 30]

[0138] Freeze / thaw and short-term stability LSD and OH-LSD showed no significant changes in plasma concentrations after three freeze / thaw cycles and 8 hours at room temperature (Tables 21-24). The change in plasma concentration was ≦8.83% for LSD and ≦6.46% for OH-LSD after three freeze / thaw cycles. After 8 hours of storage at room temperature, the change in plasma concentration for LSD and OH-LSD was ≦3.81% and ≦4.52%, respectively.

[0139] [Table 31]

[0140] [Table 32]

[0141] [Table 33]

[0142] [Table 34]

[0143] Clinical application of LC-MS / MS methods The applicability of the method was evaluated by analyzing the PK of LSD and OH-LSD in three healthy volunteers treated with an oral dose of 5 μg LSD base (Figure 5). An oral dose of 5 μg LSD base in ethanol (Holze et al., 2021) was administered to three healthy volunteers. Plasma concentrations of LSD and OH-LSD were quantified before and up to 6 hours after treatment. Figure 5 shows the concentration-time profiles of LSD and OH-LSD. The mean and standard deviation are shown.

[0144] The mean maximum plasma levels of LSD and OH-LSD were 178 pg / ml (SD: 30.6 pg / ml) and 10.4 pg / ml (SD: 2.59 pg / ml), respectively. LSD was elevated approximately 1 hour after treatment. max While OH-LSD reached a peak after 3 hours, the measured LSD concentration after only a 5 μg dose was approximately 7–18 times higher than the limit of quantification of the method. Thus, the PK of LSD could be easily established even for very low, so-called microdoses (Kuypers et al., 2019). In the case of OH-LSD, a larger volume of plasma sample was required to determine the plasma concentration-time profile after a 5 μg dose. Three times more plasma was utilized (150 instead of 50 μl), which was extracted as outlined above, but with three times more acetonitrile. Sensitivity was increased by evaporating the extract and reducing the residue in a 150 μl mixture of mobile phase A and mobile phase B (9 / 1 v / v). This example demonstrates that the sensitivity of the method can be improved simply by using a larger volume of sample. In future studies, injection of larger volumes of extract, which are retained and concentrated on the trapping column in the first step, will also be considered. In a second step, the flow direction is reversed so that the sample can be loaded and eluted onto the analytical column. This column-switching procedure increases sensitivity if the sample can be retained on the trap column. Importantly, a time-consuming solvent evaporation step can thereby be avoided.

[0145] Overall, the examples of method application show that the method is suitable for the quantification of clinical samples using LSD microdoses. Furthermore, the method can be readily adapted if the sensitivity of the analysis has to be improved.

[0146] conclusion Compared with other biochemical analytical methods for measuring LSD in human plasma, the method described herein requires only small sample volumes and features a simple extraction procedure, which facilitates efficient analysis. The extraction protocol resulted in nearly satisfactory analyte recoveries. Little matrix effect was observed between different plasma batches, and the matrix did not interfere with the analysis of LSD or OH-LSD. Quantification of both analytes was precise and accurate within the selected calibration range and was consistent with the levels observed in humans dosed with LSD. Overall, this biochemical analytical method will be an important tool for furthering the development of LSD as a therapeutic agent.

[0147] Throughout this application, various publications are referenced by author and year, including U.S. patents, where available, and patent numbers. Full citations for the publications are listed below. The disclosures of these publications and patents in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

[0148] The invention has been described by way of illustration and example, and it is to be understood that the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

[0149] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and it is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

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Claims

1. A method for measuring and identifying LSD and its major metabolite O-H-LSD, comprising: obtaining a sample from an individual; and measuring, identifying and quantifying LSD and O-H-LSD in said sample by performing an LC-MS / MS analysis. A method comprising:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sample is selected from the group consisting of plasma, blood, urine, and saliva.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein performing the LC-MS / MS analysis step is further defined as performing sample extraction and centrifugation.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed with an extraction time of 40 minutes per 96 samples, an analytical runtime of 4 minutes per sample, and the obtaining step uses 50 μL of sample.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said performing said LC-MS / MS analysis step has a limit of quantitation of 0.5 pg LSD.

6. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed after administration of a microdose of LSD, and the method is capable of measuring, identifying, and quantifying the LSD for up to 6 hours after administration.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the LSD is further defined as an LSD prodrug or an LSD analog.

8. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting LSD-assisted psychotherapy (TDM) dosing in the individual based on the LSD quantified in the sample.

9. 1. A method for treating and monitoring an individual taking LSD, comprising: administering to the individual a microdose of LSD, a prodrug of LSD, or an analog of LSD; monitoring an individual by obtaining a sample from the individual and measuring and identifying an analyte in the sample by performing an LC-MS / MS analysis; and adjusting the microdose based on the amount of LSD quantified in the LC-MS / MS analysis. A method comprising:

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the patient is not responding to the microdose.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of identifying whether the individual is a slow metabolizer or a fast metabolizer.

12. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of diagnosing the poisoning.

13. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the microdose is between 5 and 200 μg.

14. 1. A method for adjusting the dosage of an LSD, comprising: administering a microdose of LSD, a prodrug of LSD, or an analog of LSD to an individual; and adjusting the microdose based on the blood concentration analysis results; A method comprising:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the adjusting step is further defined as adjusting the microdose based on the amount of LSD quantified in an LC-MS / MS analysis.

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