A Review of Analytical Methods for the Determination of Nateglinide in Pharmaceuticals and Biological Samples

Abstract

Nateglinide, a D-phenylalanine derivative lacking either a sulfonylurea or benzimido moiety, is a novel meal time glucose regulator used for the treatment of type II diabetes. This article examines published analytical methods for the determination of nateglinide in pharmaceuticals and biological samples. The techniques of assay include UV and visible-range spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), micellar liquid chromatography (MLC), micellar electro kinetic chromatography (MEKC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). However, HPLC with UV-detection is the most widely used technique for the assay of drug both in pharmaceuticals and biological samples. This technique has been also used for studying drug dissolution, separation and determination of enantiomers, impurities and related substances. The assay of nateglinide in blood plasma and serum for studying pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence has principally been carried out with HPLC-UV and LC-MS/MS techniques.