Ibogaine and Metabolites in Urine and Plasma

We will develop and validate a sensitive and inexpensive analytical procedure for the analysisof ibogaine and its potential metabolites in biological fluids. The work will involve applying CEDRAproprietary analytical technology for the analysis of chemically similar compounds (indoles). Thistechnology was recently applied at CEDRA resulting in the analysis of iobgaine to a level of 250 pg/mlin plasma. In addition to the development of the method for ibogaine, preliminary in vitro metabolicstudies will be conducted to evaluate the specificity of the procedure. These initial metabolic studieswill also provide valuable insight into the nature and extent of the metabolic process. Phase II of theproject will focus on the metabolic profiling of ibogaine and will involve the use of human liver slices togenerate preparative quantities (mg) of some of the major metabolites. This will permit identification ofthe major metabolites and may lead to the discovery of other biologically active and commercially viableagents. The identification of the metabolites will make use of CEDRA's extensive LC-MS capability andexpertise.