[Validation of pharmaceutical quality of a [6,6-(2)H(2)]-glucose parenteral solution used for insulin-resistance measurement during human clinical trials].

INTRODUCTION

Deuterated glucose ([6,6-(2)H(2)]-glucose) is a stable isotopic tracer administered parenterally in healthy volunteers, obese or diabetic patients in clinical trial to study glucose metabolism during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps. In accordance with the Health Authorities on drug safety, we evaluated the pharmaceutical quality of this preparation for biomedical research with a stability study.

METHODS

After pharmaceutical qualification of the raw material, the [6,6-(2)H(2)]-glucose was dissolved in water for injection, then sterile, filtered under positive pressure of nitrogen and then autoclaved. Two batch products (500mg/10mL and 2g/15mL) were sampled to evaluate glucose alteration, isotope shift, limpidity, apyrogenicity and sterility at regular intervals for 2 years. Deuterated glucose solutions were stored in the dark, at +2°C+8°C, in type II glass bottles.

RESULTS

Neither significant decrease of glucose concentration nor pH variation were observed for 2 years. The 5-hydroxymethylfurfural concentration was below the human harmful levels, attesting a non-generation of metabolites during autoclaving. Isotopic enrichment higher than 99% reflected the stability of deuterated label on the 6-carbon of glucose molecules. The non-visible particle concentration below the minimal permissible concentration tolerated by the European Pharmacopoeia and the absence of bacterial endotoxin and bacterial growth attested limpidity, apyrogenicity and sterility of the [6,6-(2)H(2)]-glucose solutions.

CONCLUSION

After the 2-year study, 500mg/10mL and 2g/15mL deuterated glucose solutions stored in the dark at +2°C+8°C were stable in aqueous solution, allowing to ensure safety administration for human clinical trials using euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps.