Quantitative Raman assays for on-site analysis of stockpiled drugs

We present a rapid Raman assay for on-site analysis of stockpiled drugs in aqueous solution. This approach was tested on Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate). Tamiflu is a drug approved by the FDA for treatment of influenza and is the most common antiviral included in stockpiles for use in the event of a national emergency. Rapid assays were performed on three concentrations (30, 45, and 75 mg) of oseltamivir using three different portable & handheld Raman instruments. PLS regression models were developed to establish a calibration curve and applied to the Tamiflu samples. Raman assay values were compared against the standard HPLC assay to demonstrate the viability of this approach, yielding an average assay value within 0.3% of that obtained from the HPLC analysis for the 35 different capsules analyzed. The Raman method demonstrates the potential for rapid screening of stockpiled pharmaceuticals on-site using portable Raman instrumentation and readily available consumables for sample preparation. In addition to routine screening to ensure product quality past the expiration date, this approach could also be used to assist in rapid deployment of such medications in the case of a national emergency.