Simultaneous quantitative assay of atazanavir and 6 other HIV protease inhibitors by isocratic reversed-phase liquid chromatography in human plasma.

Several liquid chromatography methods for assay of antiretroviral drugs in human plasma have been described, but none included atazanavir. The authors describe a user-friendly, validated, and rapid technique, derived from a procedure the authors have already published, allowing simultaneous quantification of amprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir (and its M8 metabolite), ritonavir, saquinavir, efavirenz, and nevirapine. Assays were performed after diethyl ether liquid-liquid extraction from 250 microL plasma samples. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an X-TERRA column using a 58% water (with 3 mM pyrrolidine) and 42% acetonitrile mobile phase; 240 nm ultraviolet wavelength was used for atazanavir detection. This method has been in routine use in our laboratory for antiretroviral drug monitoring and now allows quantitative assay of a novel HIV protease inhibitor, atazanavir, with satisfactory intra- and interassay precision (CV<12%).