Simultaneous determination of Z-SU5416 and its interconvertible geometric E-isomer in rat plasma by LC/MS/MS

SU5416 is a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor, which plays a major role in vascular angiogenesis. SU5416 exists as the thermodynamically stable and pharmacologically active cis isomer (Z-isomer) in the solid state. In light-exposed solutions the unstable trans isomer (E-isomer) is formed. The E-isomer is unstable for synthesis and isolation and the analytical standard of the E-isomer is unavailable. A new, simple, fast and reliable LC/MS/MS method was developed to quantify both isomers simultaneously in rat plasma samples in order to support the study of disposition kinetics of Z- and E-SU5416. This method is sensitive (LOQ = 0.5 ng/ml), reproducible, and has a wide linear range (0.5-2500 ng/ml).