Synthesis, high-performance liquid chromatography–nuclear magnetic resonance characterization and pharmacokinetics in mice of CD271 glucuronide

Retinoic acid-glucuronides are known as retinoids with activity in acne therapy, limited placental transfer and reduced retinoid adverse effects. We synthesized the glucuronide of a novel retinoid, CD271 (adapalene), used for the treatment of moderate acne. The synthesis product (“CD271 glucuronide”, CD271G) was purified by preparative HPLC. It undergoes in aqueous solution, like other glucuronides, rapid acyl-migration of the bound aglycone leading to position isomers. Thus characterization of purified CD271G could be only achieved by HPLC–NMR coupling. A subfraction (“CD271GB”) consisting essentially of 2′- and 3′-CD271G was used for pharmacokinetic studies. After a single subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 30 mg/kg the substance showed considerable uptake and metabolism to CD271 indicating that CD271GB could serve as a prodrug for CD271.