Nitrosamine Impurity Analysis — Confidence in compliance — Confidence in results

Why is nitrosamine impurity analysis in drugs important?

Nitrosamines, or more correctly N-nitrosoamines, refer to any molecule containing the nitroso functional group. These molecules are of concern because nitrosamine impurities are probable human carcinogens. The unexpected finding of nitrosamine impurities in drugs such as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), ranitidine, nizatidine, and metformin, has made clear the need for a risk assessment strategy for potential nitrosamines in any pharmaceutical product at risk for their presence. Stringent regulatory guidance’s are not only helping to make drugs safer, but through the method requirements are helping laboratories to identify the appropriate tools needed for accurate and confident analysis.