Drug Metabolism ReviewsPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-05-14DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2026.2663169
Bin Ma, Lionel Cheruzel, Sungjoon Cho, Simon Hauri, Xiuli Li, Joyce Liu, Karoline Rehm, Herana Kamal Seneviratne, Hyeonglim Seo, Rachel Liuqing Shi, Lloyd Wei Tat Tang, Pengcheng Wang, Yue-Ting Wang, Caroline Wei, Guo Zhong, S Cyrus Khojasteh
{"title":"Metabolism of new drug modalities research advances - 2025 year in review.","authors":"Bin Ma, Lionel Cheruzel, Sungjoon Cho, Simon Hauri, Xiuli Li, Joyce Liu, Karoline Rehm, Herana Kamal Seneviratne, Hyeonglim Seo, Rachel Liuqing Shi, Lloyd Wei Tat Tang, Pengcheng Wang, Yue-Ting Wang, Caroline Wei, Guo Zhong, S Cyrus Khojasteh","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2663169","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2663169","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>New drug modalities (NDMs) continue to redefine the pharmaceutical landscape by addressing \"undruggable\" targets and providing innovative therapeutics for various diseases. This third annual review summarizes 15 selected publications from 2025 that advance our understanding of NDM metabolism. We focus on four major categories: (1) PROTACs and molecular glues, with an emphasis on biotransformation and chiral stability; (2) Oligonucleotide therapeutics, including <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> metabolism of oligonucleotides as well as a workflow for metabolite identification; (3) Macrocyclic peptides, highlighting throughput enhancements and leader-independent cyclization; and (4) Conjugated drugs, encompassing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and novel Fc-fusion proteins. This collection provides critical insights into metabolism, tissue distribution, and analytical innovations intended to accelerate the transition of these complex modalities from discovery to clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"271-305"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147765571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Drug Metabolism ReviewsPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-05-13DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2026.2666163
Veena V Tom, Ann Mary Jose, Athira Sasidharan, Yogish Somayaji, Ronald Fernandes
{"title":"Extracellular vesicles as xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme carriers: a new paradigm for brain drug metabolism.","authors":"Veena V Tom, Ann Mary Jose, Athira Sasidharan, Yogish Somayaji, Ronald Fernandes","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2666163","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2666163","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Emerging evidence suggests hepatocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (hd-EVs) may transport drug-metabolizing enzymes across the BBB. This liver-brain metabolic axis remains a conceptual model that requires <i>in vivo</i> validation of localized brain metabolism following EV transfer. The traditional liver-centric paradigm cannot fully explain CNS-specific drug effects, such as phenytoin induced neurotoxicity and acetaminophen-linked neuroinflammation, which occur without substantial brain drug accumulation. We propose that EVs function as systemic metabolic shuttles, transporting catalytically active xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs), including cytochrome P450s, UDP glucuronosyltransferases, and glutathione S-transferases from hepatic tissues across the BBB to enable localized drug metabolism within the CNS. Circulating EVs can carry xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes that retain catalytic activity, and their cargo appears to be modulated by hepatic stress and drug exposure. Some studies also suggest that EVs are capable of crossing the BBB <i>via</i> receptor-mediated endocytosis and being internalized by brain cells. Critical limitations remain in demonstrating direct catalytic activity of EV delivered enzymes within brain resident cells and understanding the molecular mechanisms governing enzyme cargo selection and brain specific targeting. If confirmed, EV-mediated XME transport has the potential to transform neuropharmacology by reframing the brain as a metabolically active organ supported by systemic vesicle communication. This review details the justification for this new theory as well as potential testing methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"423-436"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147765617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Herbal supplements and anti-tuberculosis therapy: unlocking hidden interactions for better multidrug-resistant tuberculosis management.","authors":"Siva Bhukya, Ravi Adinarayan Somabattini, Neelanjan Chowdhury, Sathi Sarkar, Anish Kumar Das, Kabita Mahato, Hanumu Korra, Satheesh Kumar Nanjappan","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2688186","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2688186","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tuberculosis (TB), especially in its multidrug-resistant form (MDR-TB), remains a persistent threat to global health despite decades of medical advancements. Standard treatment regimens often involve complex drug combinations, which, while effective, pose a significant risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). The growing reliance on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), particularly herbal supplements, further complicates this landscape by introducing herb-drug interactions (HDIs), many of which are poorly understood or undocumented. These interactions can compromise treatment efficacy, increase toxicity, and hinder patient adherence, particularly in settings where traditional medicine is widely used. This review emphasizes current evidence on the pharmacological interactions between anti-TB/MDR-TB drugs and other conventional medications, as well as commonly used herbal supplements. We explore the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms underlying these interactions, with a focus on cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism and modulation of transporter proteins. Highlighted are key interactions involving TB/MDR-TB medication. In addition, the review discusses the emerging role of Network Pharmacology in mapping multi-target interactions, offering new understandings into the potential risks and benefits of integrating herbal medicine into TB care. The potential therapeutic value of select herbs with hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory properties is critically examined alongside safety concerns. By collating and evaluating findings from clinical, pharmacological, and systems-based research, this review aims to guide healthcare professionals in optimizing TB treatment strategies. Emphasis is placed on the need for proactive monitoring, patient education, and culturally sensitive communication regarding herbal use. Integrating evidence-based approaches with traditional practices could enhance treatment outcomes and minimize adverse effects in TB and MDR-TB management.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"505-522"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148263797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Drug Metabolism ReviewsPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-07-29DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2026.2705851
Joyce Liu, Upendra A Argikar, Pietro Brunetti, Maria Chatzopoulou, Sungjoon Cho, Alf Claesson, Deepika Dhaware, Jakob Lang, Bin Ma, Shuguang Ma, Hlaing Maw, Grover P Miller, Simone Schadt, Herana Kamal Seneviratne, Lloyd Wei Tat Tang, Caroline Wei, S Cyrus Khojasteh
{"title":"Bioactivation and reactivity research advances - 2025 year in review.","authors":"Joyce Liu, Upendra A Argikar, Pietro Brunetti, Maria Chatzopoulou, Sungjoon Cho, Alf Claesson, Deepika Dhaware, Jakob Lang, Bin Ma, Shuguang Ma, Hlaing Maw, Grover P Miller, Simone Schadt, Herana Kamal Seneviratne, Lloyd Wei Tat Tang, Caroline Wei, S Cyrus Khojasteh","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2705851","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2705851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This year marks the fifth installment of the annual review on bioactivation and reactivity. This series evolved from the broader biotransformation and bioactivation review that started a decade ago, reflecting the increasing importance and interest in this area for drug discovery and development. This year's review features 19 articles that reflect the latest findings and advances in bioactivation and reactivity research. This collection of articles is organized into four general themes: (1) mechanistic insights into CYP-mediated bioactivation, enzyme inhibition, and covalent binding, (2) non-CYP-mediated bioactivation, (3) biological drivers of drug-induced toxicity, and (4) advancements in reactive metabolite trapping.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"355-394"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148469606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Population pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin: a systematic review.","authors":"Yifan Ding, Xianghai Zeng, Jing Zou, Yuxue Zhou, Jiali Zhang, Zhao Chang, Shengnan Zhang, Meng Lv","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2670536","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2670536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Levofloxacin is an effective anti-infective agent for the treatment of infectious diseases. However, the marked interindividual variability in levofloxacin pharmacokinetics (PKs) across different populations introduces uncertainty regarding its clinical efficacy and safety. This review aims to comprehensively summarize population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) studies of levofloxacin and to elucidate the covariates that significantly influence its PKs. PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched from database inception to October 2025. A total of 20 studies from 15 countries were finally included and PopPK data were extracted. One-compartment and two-compartment models were applied in 12 and 8 studies, respectively. The estimated weight-normalized clearance (CL) of levofloxacin varied widely, ranging from 0.07 L/h/kg to 0.39 L/h/kg, with a median value of 0.13 L/h/kg. Pediatric patients appeared to clear levofloxacin faster than adults, whereas the elderly exhibited the slowest CL. The most frequently identified covariates affecting levofloxacin CL were renal function, age, weight, pregnancy, and human immunodeficiency virus infection status. The variability in volume of distribution was primarily explained by weight, gender, and aspartate aminotransferase. Large, multicenter, and prospective PopPK studies are warranted to elucidate the PKs of levofloxacin, thus facilitating model-informed precision dosing in clinical practice. This review provides a valuable reference for the future development of PopPK analysis for levofloxacin.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"467-483"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147834985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pharmacomicrobiomics in precision pharmacotherapy: bidirectional microbial-drug interactions as a key determinant of therapeutic response.","authors":"Serap Yalçın Azarkan, Habibe Sema Arslan Ünal, Sevinç Akçay","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2671428","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2671428","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Interindividual variability in drug efficacy and toxicity remains a major challenge in clinical pharmacotherapy. Although pharmacogenomics has substantially advanced personalized medicine, host genetic variation alone cannot fully explain differences in drug disposition, response, and adverse effects. Increasing evidence identifies the human gut microbiota as an additional, functionally relevant metabolic layer that complements host drug-metabolizing enzymes, giving rise to the field of pharmacomicrobiomics. This discipline examines bidirectional interactions between drugs and microbial communities that influence absorption, metabolism, enterohepatic circulation, and pharmacodynamic outcomes. The gut microbiota can directly biotransform or sequester drugs through diverse enzymatic reactions, including deconjugation, reduction, and decarboxylation, thereby modifying systemic drug exposure and toxicity. In parallel, microbially derived metabolites and bile acid-mediated signaling pathways regulate host drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters, including cytochrome P450 enzymes and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Conversely, many common medications-including antibiotics, chemotherapeutics, psychotropics, and proton pump inhibitors-can reshape microbial composition and function, causing dysbiosis that affects drug metabolism and therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes the mechanistic basis and clinical relevance of microbiota-drug interactions across key therapeutic areas, including oncology, neuropsychiatric disorders, and metabolic diseases. Well-established examples, including microbial β-glucuronidase-mediated reactivation of irinotecan, microbiota-dependent modulation of levodopa and antidepressant pharmacokinetics, and microbiota-driven variability in immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy, are discussed to illustrate causality. Emerging microbiome-informed strategies-including selective inhibition of microbial enzymes, microbiota modulation, and biomarker-based stratification-are highlighted. Finally, we examine integration of pharmacomicrobiomics with pharmacogenomics within multi-omic and systems pharmacology frameworks, emphasizing implications for predictive modeling and precision drug metabolism.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"484-504"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147835020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Humanized mouse models for drug metabolism and drug transport: a systematic review.","authors":"Ibrahim Z Hassan, Wihan Pheiffer, Rose Hayeshi","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2697751","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2697751","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Animal models are commonly used for prediction of human pharmacokinetics (PKs); however, due to species differences, there are often challenges in translation of the data to clinical outcomes. Humanized mice in the form of chimeric and transgenic models are increasingly proposed as better tools for translational preclinical studies during drug development. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the utility and predictive value of humanized mice for human drug metabolism and transport. The databases searched were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were studies using healthy mice humanized with drug metabolizing enzyme and/or drug transporter and/or nuclear receptors; in original research studies undertaking experimental prediction of human drug transport/metabolism published in the English language. A total of 78 studies were identified and data extracted included experimental groups and number of animals; species and sex; method used to genetically modify the mice; PK data; drug-drug interaction (DDI) predictions and correlations. Discussions and conclusions relied on descriptive summary of results. Chimeric models predominated within the dataset, particularly in PK and metabolite profiling investigations, whereas transgenic mice were more associated with DDI studies. Both model types showed good predictive value for PK and DDIs while chimeric mice replicated human metabolic pathways, identifying human-specific metabolites absent in conventional rodent models. Therefore, this systematic review demonstrates humanized mouse models for drug metabolism and drug transport as useful tools to support prediction of clinical outcomes while recognizing variability in predictive utility across model types and study contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alex Zelter, Guo Zhong, Michal Maes, Michael R Hoopmann, Michael Riffle, Daniel Jaschob, Eddie A Carlson Ii, Wendel L Nelson, Deepak Dalvie, Robert L Moritz, Trisha N Davis, Michael J MacCoss, Nina Isoherranen
{"title":"Identification and characterization of a novel aldehyde metabolite of WIN18,446 and associated WIN18,446-ALDH1A2 protein adducts using mass spectrometry.","authors":"Alex Zelter, Guo Zhong, Michal Maes, Michael R Hoopmann, Michael Riffle, Daniel Jaschob, Eddie A Carlson Ii, Wendel L Nelson, Deepak Dalvie, Robert L Moritz, Trisha N Davis, Michael J MacCoss, Nina Isoherranen","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2670538","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2670538","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ALDH1A family enzymes (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, and ALDH1A3) catalyze retinoic acid synthesis, and their dysregulation is linked to disease. Selective inhibitors of these enzymes have been tested in drug discovery programs and one such compound, WIN18,446, was found to irreversibly inhibit ALDH1A2. WIN18,446 is a reversible male contraceptive in humans and animals. The inhibition of spermatogenesis by WIN18,446 is thought to be due to inhibition of ALDH1A. However, the mechanism of irreversible inhibition of ALDH1A2 by WIN18,446 is not known. A crystal structure obtained after incubating ALDH1A2 with WIN18,446 revealed a WIN18,446-derived metabolite covalently adducted to the catalytic cysteine, C320. Inspection of this structure suggested that the observed adduct is unstable and may be a metabolic intermediate stabilized under crystallographic conditions. In the current work, we tested this hypothesis. We identified and characterized an aldehyde metabolite of WIN18,446, which we designated M-54. M-54 is likely the metabolite of the intermediate observed in the crystal structure. Using a range of proteomics techniques, we identified a WIN18,446-derived ALDH1A2 protein adduct of mass 292.07 Da on C319 of ALDH1A2. This adduct may result from the reaction of the crystal structure metabolic intermediate. Using the identified mass, we probed human liver samples from multiple donors and found WIN18,446 specific adducts on cysteines within the ALDH1A1 and ALDH2 active site regions. The current study provides new insight into the metabolism of WIN18,446 and the mechanism of inhibition of ALDH1A2. We also demonstrate a proteomics workflow for identifying and validating drug-protein adducts of unknown mass.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13201206/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147927299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A review on analytical perspectives for cyclophosphamide, its metabolites, and impurities.","authors":"Harshal Ahirrao, Hemant Kumar Tatapudi, Kishore Raju Vatsavai","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2649791","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2649791","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a common chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive drug whose investigation is important due to its biotransformation, toxic breakdown products, and potential for environmental pollution. The purpose of this review is to offer an extensive assessment of current analytical techniques employed in detecting cyclophosphamide, its metabolites, and impurities in pharmaceutical and biological samples. The techniques discussed include nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), capillary electrophoresis (CE), UV-visible spectrophotometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Each method is assessed with respect to its effectiveness based on evaluation criteria such as sensitivity, specificity, detection limits, and ease of use or regulatory compliance. We pay special attention to the metabolites and contaminants of CP and degradation pathways. Key findings focus on the importance of sample preparation and method validation, particularly derivatisation for unstable chemicals. The review also touches on ecological and occupational risks by focusing on analytical procedures for monitoring exposure to the environment and workplace. This review highlights the relevance of analytical techniques in ensuring the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of cyclophosphamide-containing pharmaceutical products. Overall, the review compares established and advanced analytical techniques based on sensitivity, selectivity, and applicability for pharmaceutical, biological, and environmental analysis of cyclophosphamide.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"248-270"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Drug Metabolism ReviewsPub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-03-10DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2026.2641226
Hemn A H Barzani, Rebaz Anwar Omer, Khalamala Ibrahim Salih Barzani, Amjad Mahmood Qadir, Zanco Hassan Jawhar, Seerwan Hamadameen Sulaiman, Hoshyar Saadi Ali
{"title":"A critical review of analytical tools for the detection of spironolactone and its metabolites.","authors":"Hemn A H Barzani, Rebaz Anwar Omer, Khalamala Ibrahim Salih Barzani, Amjad Mahmood Qadir, Zanco Hassan Jawhar, Seerwan Hamadameen Sulaiman, Hoshyar Saadi Ali","doi":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2641226","DOIUrl":"10.1080/03602532.2026.2641226","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spironolactone (SPI) is a synthetic aldosterone antagonist steroid used to treat various conditions, including hypertension, heart failure, primary hyperaldosteronism, and androgen-related disorders. SPI undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism <i>via</i> cytochrome P450 to active derivatives, including canrenone. Accurate determination of SPI and derivatives is important for pharmacokinetic profiling, therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmaceutical quality control, and environmental monitoring. However, spiking of analyte concentration, chemical instability, matrix complexity, and low analyte levels, which require more sensitive instrumentation, present challenges for analytical determination. Although several methodologies, including spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and electroanalytical techniques, have been reported in the last thirty years, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and particularly HPLC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the most robust, sensitive, and flexible of these methods for measuring SPI and its metabolites in various matrices. In addition, several sample-preparation techniques, such as Protein Precipitation <b>(</b>PP), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), and solid-phase extraction (SPE), have been applied with HPLC or LC-MS/MS to enhance analytical performance by minimizing interferences from the complex matrix. This review critically evaluates measurement methodologies in the literature for SPI, focusing on their development, advantages, and disadvantages, and emerging trends toward rapid, inexpensive, and miniaturized platforms. Based on its analytical performance, reproducibility, and applicability, LC-MS/MS (and HPLC)-based methodology is the most suitable for comprehensive SPI analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":11307,"journal":{"name":"Drug Metabolism Reviews","volume":" ","pages":"192-226"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147364415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}