Authors: Rohit Sharma, Dr. Meera Kapoor
Abstract: Prodrugs are chemically modified derivatives of pharmacologically active drugs designed to improve physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic profiles. Enhancing bioavailability, solubility, and tissue targeting are primary objectives of prodrug development. This study explores the physicochemical characterization and pharmacokinetic evaluation of prodrugs to optimize drug delivery. Parameters including solubility, partition coefficient, stability, and permeability were analyzed using in vitro techniques. Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in suitable animal models to assess absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. The influence of prodrug design on bioavailability, half-life, and peak plasma concentration was evaluated. A representative table summarizes key physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters for selected prodrugs. Results indicate that strategic chemical modification significantly enhances oral absorption, reduces first-pass metabolism, and improves therapeutic efficacy. The study underscores the potential of prodrugs as a rational approach to overcome bioavailability limitations of parent drugs and highlights their role in modern drug development strategies.
Keywords: Prodrugs, bioavailability, physicochemical pharmacokinetics, solubility, absorption, metabolism, drug design
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