Pantoprazole is an active pharmaceutical ingredient from the group of proton pump inhibitors, which selectively and irreversibly inhibits the proton pump in the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa. This effectively reduces the secretion of hydrochloric acid, regardless of the nature of the stimulus. Due to its chemical structure, pantoprazole is sensitive to light, oxygen, and acidic environments, which requires special attention in formulation and storage. The stability of the active ingredient is one of the key quality indicators, as it directly affects the activity and safety of the drug.
The aim of this master's thesis was to critically evaluate the stability of a basic aqueous solution of pantoprazole in combination with various excipients, formulated as a ready-to-use liquid ampoule for parenteral administration, with the goal of obtaining marketing authorization for the drug. The registration of a new drug is subject to strict regulatory requirements that ensure the quality, safety, and activity of the drug. Therefore, particular attention must be paid to the stability of the active ingredient and the presence of degradation products.
To obtain reliable results, we an analytical method for the quantitative determination of pantoprazole content and monitoring of its degradation products was first validated in accordance with pharmacopeial guidelines. The experimental part included the investigation of various formulations under different storage conditions and the execution of analytical tests. Based on the results, degradation kinetics were assessed using specialized software, allowing for the prediction of long-term stability.
Stability studies revealed that the chemical stability of pantoprazole in the tested formulations was insufficient for long-term storage. Modeling with the ASAPprime software indicated that, after two years of storage, impurity qualification limits would be exceeded, confirming a high risk of instability in the final drug product.
These findings highlight that the careful selection of excipients and the provision of adequate protection from oxygen, light, and especially acidic conditions are crucial for ensuring the stability and overall quality of the final product.
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