TLC Pharmaceutical Standards — news & announcements

Following customer feedback, we are pleased to announce the successful development of Tacrolimus-13C-d4, a new stable isotope-labeled reference standard designed to provide a larger mass shift for improved performance as an internal standard.

While our previously developed Tacrolimus-13C-d2 standard was successfully used in a range of analytical applications, several clients working with this large and structurally complex molecule indicated that a greater mass difference was preferred for highly sensitive LC-MS/MS methods. In response, our laboratory rapidly adapted to this market need and developed Tacrolimus-13C-d4—demonstrating our flexibility and commitment to delivering reference standards aligned with evolving customer requirements.

Tacrolimus-13C-d4 has been produced with high isotopic enrichment and excellent chemical purity as detailed in its COA, making it well suited for analytical applications including:

• LC-MS/MS quantitative analysis
• Bioanalytical method development and validation
• Pharmacokinetic and therapeutic drug monitoring studies
• GLP-compliant analytical workflows

The development of a highly enriched multi-labeled tacrolimus standard presents significant synthetic and analytical challenges, and materials of this type can be difficult to source at consistently high quality.

Please contact TLC for availability and quotation.

We’re pleased to share that TLC will be exhibiting at CPHI Shanghai 2026!

From June 16-18, visit us at booth E2G26 to learn more about our latest developments, discuss industry trends, and explore new collaboration opportunities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

Our team looks forward to connecting with partners and professionals from across the globe and sharing how TLC continues to support innovation and growth in the industry.

See you in Shanghai!

We are pleased to announce the successful development of Tretinoin-d6, a high-quality stable isotope-labeled (SIL) reference standard developed to address the limitations commonly seen with lower-labeled alternatives on the market.

Tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid), CAS No. 302-79-4 is widely used in pharmaceutical, dermatological, and analytical research. This d6-labeled analog is designed to support LC-MS/MS method development, validation, and quantitative analysis where a robust internal standard is critical.

Previously available Tretinoin-d5 materials have demonstrated lower isotopic enrichment and residual unlabeled content, which can create potential interference challenges for end users. To overcome this, TLC developed a superior d6-labeled version by directly introducing six deuterium atoms onto two methyl groups using deuterated reagents, resulting in stronger label stability and improved analytical performance.

Our final product achieves:

• 99.5% deuterium enrichment
• No detectable d0 content
• Stable deuterium incorporation resistant to label loss during testing
• Improved suitability as an internal standard for sensitive LC-MS/MS applications
• COA available here: COA

The development of Tretinoin-d6 required a highly complex synthetic route involving more than 15 steps. Both intermediates and the final product are highly unstable and sensitive to light and temperature, requiring strict oxygen-free, light-free, and low-temperature conditions throughout reaction, workup, and purification processes.

Due to the technical difficulty of synthesis and the exceptional isotopic quality achieved, Tretinoin-d6 represents a significant advancement for laboratories requiring dependable SIL reference standards.

Please contact TLC for availability and quotation.

We are pleased to announce the availability of Retatrutide (PR-178001), a high-quality peptide reference standard now available from stock to support analytical and research applications.

Retatrutide is a next-generation triple receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, currently under clinical investigation for metabolic and cardiometabolic indications. Given its structural complexity and increasing scientific and regulatory interest, reliable analytical characterization is essential for research and method development activities.

Our Retatrutide reference standard has been carefully purified and extensively characterized to ensure high chemical purity, as detailed in the accompanying certificate of analysis (COA). The material is suitable for use in analytical method development, system suitability testing, assay calibration, LC-MS/MS applications, and related research studies requiring well-characterized reference materials.

Due to the complexity of long peptide sequences and the analytical challenges associated with their purification and characterization, sourcing material of consistent and reliable quality can be difficult. Our current batch is available from stock for immediate shipment.

In addition, we are currently developing a Retatrutide-d7 stable isotope-labeled analog, which is in production and expected to be available in the near future. This SIL version is intended to support LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method development and quantitative applications requiring a robust internal standard.

Please contact TLC for availability, technical details, or a quotation.

We are pleased to announce the successful development of Tacrolimus-13C-d2, a high-quality stable isotope-labeled (SIL) reference standard designed to support demanding analytical and bioanalytical applications.

Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressive agent used in both systemic and topical therapies, with significant analytical and bioanalytical relevance due to its narrow therapeutic index and complex pharmacokinetics. Accurate and reliable quantification is essential across a range of studies, including clinical, pharmacokinetic, and bioanalytical investigations. This 13C-d2 labeled analog is intended to support LC-MS/MS method development, validation, and quantitative analysis related to tacrolimus.

This material has been produced to a high standard of quality, with high isotopic enrichment and excellent chemical purity as detailed on the certificate of analysis (COA). The 13C-d2 labeling option provides a reliable internal standard for tacrolimus analysis, helping to minimize isotopic overlap and analytical interference. This supports accurate, precise, and reproducible quantitation in complex biological matrices and is well suited for GLP-compliant studies, helping reduce the risk of regulatory questions related to assay performance.

Given the structural complexity of tacrolimus and the challenges associated with incorporating stable isotopes while maintaining high analytical quality, this compound can be difficult to source at a consistently high quality level. Please contact us for availability and a quotation.

We are pleased to announce the successful development of Minocycline-d6 Ditrifluoroacetate, a technically challenging stable isotope-labeled (SIL) reference standard.

Minocycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic widely used in pharmaceutical development and clinical research. This d6-labeled analog is intended to support analytical and bioanalytical studies related to minocycline, including LC-MS/MS method development, validation, and quantitative analysis.

This material has been produced with exceptional quality, offering 99.5% isotopic purity and >98.5% chemical purity in the current batch (COA). The high isotopic purity minimizes isotopic overlap and analytical interference, supporting accurate internal standard performance in LC-MS/MS–based PK and bioanalytical assays. This level of quality helps enable robust, reproducible data generation and supports defensible data packages under GLP conditions, reducing the risk of regulatory questions related to isotopic overlap or analytical interference.

Due to the complexity of synthesis and the challenge of achieving high isotopic purity, this compound is difficult to source at this quality level. Please contact us for availability and a quotation.

Since the FDA's 2018 report and subsequent recall of nitrosamine-contaminated drugs, the global pharmaceutical industry has grappled with evolving testing standards imposed by regulators worldwide.

In response, TLC has substantially grown its portfolio of these impurities, now offering over 1000 such substances in our catalog, many of which are available from stock and ready to ship.

Our unwavering dedication to enhancing safety persists as we consistently introduce new impurities to our catalog, aiding the pharmaceutical sector in tackling this pressing concern.

Download the Nitrosamine impurities catalog →

When others said it couldn’t be done, TLC proved otherwise.

TLC’s R&D team recently achieved the successful synthesis and full characterization of N-Nitroso Ticagrelor (TLC# T-81180) — a compound many considered chemically unfeasible.

Through careful reaction control, analytical rigor, and scientific persistence, TLC confirmed the structure and stability of the true nitrosated species.

Read the full article →

TLC is excited to announce that we will be exhibiting at CPHI 2025 in Shanghai!

Join us at our booth E2C80 from June 24th to 26th, 2025 to explore our latest innovations, meet our team, and discover how we’re driving progress in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

Let’s connect and collaborate!

This honor follows an extensive evaluation by industry experts, C-level executives, and the publication's editorial board, supported by numerous subscriber nominations highlighting TLC's reputation, scientific excellence, and consistent performance under pressure.

Featured as the cover story in Pharma Tech Outlook's Pharma Manufacturing latest issue, the article showcases TLC's role as a trusted synthesis partner helping pharmaceutical companies navigate complex regulatory and development challenges.

Read the full announcement →

TLC will be participating in CPHI North America, in Philadelphia from May 7th to May 9th, 2024. Mark your calendars, and be sure to stop by Booth #716 to say hello and discover how TLC can meet your needs.

TLC is proud to share that we've secured ISO 17034 accreditation! This is a significant step in our unwavering dedication to quality and our promise to remain Your Trusted Source for Reference Standards.

Download ISO 17034 →

Since the FDA's 2018 report and subsequent recall of nitrosamine-contaminated drugs, the global pharmaceutical industry has grappled with evolving testing standards imposed by regulators worldwide.

In response, TLC has substantially grown its portfolio of these impurities, now offering over 1000 such substances in our catalog, many of which are available from stock and ready to ship.

Our unwavering dedication to enhancing safety persists as we consistently introduce new impurities to our catalog, aiding the pharmaceutical sector in tackling this pressing concern.

Download the Nitrosamine impurities catalog →

We are excited to share that, in response to the growing demand for the TLC brand in India, we have opened a new branch in Hyderabad. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to serving our valued Indian clientele more efficiently and effectively.

With our dedicated presence in Hyderabad, we are well-positioned to offer specialized support, cutting-edge solutions, and responsive services to our esteemed partners in the Indian Pharmaceutical sector.

This marks the beginning of an exciting journey as we leverage our expertise to contribute to the growth and success of the Pharmaceutical industry in India.

For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us at indiasales@tlcstandards.com. Thank you for your continued support.

TLC will be exhibiting at CPHI India in Greater Noida, Delhi from November 28-30, 2023. Our team would welcome the opportunity to meet you at booth # 2.D36!

TLC will be exhibiting at CPHI China at the Shanghai New international Expo Centre from June 19-21, 2023. Our team would welcome the opportunity to meet you at booth # E2F60!

TLC will be attending CPHI North America in Philadelphia from April 25-27, 2023. Our team would welcome the opportunity to meet you at booth #1047!

In support of our continued commitment to excellence in Quality, TLC has successfully obtained ISO 17025:2017 accreditation.

Download ISO 17025:2017 →

We are pleased to announce that our company has achieved ISO 9001 accreditation, an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems. This achievement reflects our commitment to quality, consistency, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement, while reinforcing our dedication to delivering reliable products and services that meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements. We look forward to building on this milestone and continuing to provide the high level of quality and service our customers expect.

Download ISO 9001:2015 →

At TLC our top priority during the current global COVID-19 pandemic is the health and safety of our employees, our customers and our community.

We are following all government recommendations in our facilities to ensure a safe working environment for our staff and will be continuing to supply our customers with crucial standards they need to move their research forward.

TLC is proud to do our part in the community to help fight this pandemic. We will be donating $100,000 worth of crucial supplies for front line health workers, to whom we extend our utmost thanks.

We are pleased to be attending CPHI China once more! Our sales and technical team welcome the opportunity to meet you at booth E1N36, where we will be glad to demonstrate how TLC can support and improve your present and future reference Standards needs. We look forward to seeing you there!

In order to meet the growing need and demand in the Pharmaceutical Industry, TLC is proud to announce the addition of Peptides and related compounds synthesis to our existing line of products.

A new laboratory has been established with experienced scientists and equipment solely dedicated to synthesizing the reference standards for therapeutic peptide drugs.

Come meet our sales and technical team at booth #T2C01 to discuss how TLC can support and improve on your present and future Reference Standards needs.