Beta-Lactam Derivatization for Stable LC-MS/MS Calibrators

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Solution Overview

Problem

β-Lactam antibiotics are unstable in protic solvents and under mild conditions, leading to hydrolysis, which complicates Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) by causing inaccuracies in quantifying antibiotic concentrations due to the instability of internal standards and calibrators used in LC-MS/MS methods.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a complex formed of a β-lactam antibiotic and a nucleophilic derivatization agent, such as a primary amine (e.g., propylamine, butylamine, or pentylamine), which stabilizes the antibiotic by forming an amide, allowing for accurate measurements as stable internal standards and calibrators in Mass Spectrometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If β-lactam antibiotics are used as calibrators and internal standards in LC-MS/MS methods, then accurate quantification of antibiotic concentrations can be achieved, but the calibrators and internal standards undergo hydrolysis due to instability in protic solvents, leading to concentration deviations and measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of antibiotic concentration quantificationVSAvoidstability of calibrators and internal standards
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameter of the calibrator and internal standard by introducing a derivatization group at the beta-lactam ring position. This structural modification prevents hydrolysis while maintaining the ability to be detected by LC-MS/MS, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary derivatization group that acts as a protective mediator. This group prevents the beta-lactam ring from undergoing hydrolysis while allowing the molecule to still function as an effective calibrator and internal standard in mass spectrometry measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If β-lactam antibiotics are stored in protic solvents or under mild conditions, then handling and measurement procedures are simplified, but hydrolysis occurs leading to loss of active compound and inaccurate concentration measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of handling and measurement proceduresVSAvoidreliability of concentration measurements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By modifying the chemical structure through derivatization, the patent enables the use of stable calibrators that can be stored and handled under mild conditions without hydrolysis, thus maintaining both ease of operation and measurement reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If higher concentrations of β-lactam antibiotics are administered to maintain therapeutic levels above MIC, then bacteriocidal effect is ensured, but adverse effects increase due to concentration-dependent toxicity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of antibiotic treatmentVSAvoidadverse effects of antibiotic therapy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical challenge of maintaining stable high concentrations with a molecular-level solution. The derivatized molecules provide inherent stability that enables precise concentration control, allowing therapeutic levels to be maintained at the lowest effective dose, thereby reducing adverse effects while ensuring treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The stabilization of β-lactam antibiotics with nucleophilic derivatization agents ensures accurate and stable quantification of antibiotic levels in patient samples, reducing hydrolysis and maintaining the integrity of calibrators and internal standards, thereby enhancing the reliability of TDM.

Implementation Method 1

A composition comprising a complex formed of a β-lactam antibiotic and a nucleophilic derivatization agent, such as a primary amine (e.g., propylamine, butylamine, or pentylamine), which stabilizes the antibiotic by forming an amide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleophilic substitution: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4058460B1Derivatization of beta-lactam antibiotics as calibrators/ISTD in massspec measurements
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG
  • EP4058460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4058460B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4058460B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to a complex comprising an antibiotic substance and a nucleophilic derivatization reagent, compositions comprising the complex, kits comprising complex or composition, as well as uses of the complex or composition.