Prodrug

Most drugs produce their effect by direct action of the chemical molecule that composes, howeveroccasionally to perform such action must be transformed by the body (generally liver enzymes) in a chemical modification on the active substance or drug itself.In this case the molecule is aprodrug. One of the reasons why prodrugs are used is the optimization of the mechanisms of absorption, distribution, metabolization and elimination.Prodrugs are typically designed to improve the oral bioavailability in cases of malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract, which is often a limiting factor.

Dr. Juan Sabater-Tobella

European Specialist in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4)Member of the Pharmacogenomics Research NetworkMember of the International Society of Pharmacogenomics and Outcomes ResearchPresidente de EUGENOMIC®

Last modified: Nov 20, 2018 @ 5:26 pm