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Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV (DPP IV/CD26)-Activated Prodrugs: A Successful Strategy for Improving Water Solubility and Oral Bioavailability

[ Vol. 22 , Issue. 8 ]

Author(s):

Sonsoles Velazquez, Sonia de Castro, Alberto Diez-Torrubia, Jan Balzarini and María-Jose Camarasa   Pages 1041 - 1054 ( 14 )

Abstract:


In the search of novel enzyme-based prodrug approaches to improve pharmacological properties of therapeutic drugs such as solubility and bioavailability, dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP IV, also termed as CD26) enzyme activity provides a previously unexplored successful prodrug strategy. This review covers key aspects of the enzyme useful for the design of CD26-directed prodrugs. The proof-of-concept of this prodrug technology is provided for amine-containing agents by directly linking appropriate di- (or oligo)peptide moieties to a free amino group of a non-peptidic drug through an amide bond which is specifically hydrolized by DPP IV/CD26. Special emphasis is also made in discussing the design and synthesis of more elaborated tripartite prodrug systems, for further extension of the strategy to hydroxy-containing drugs. The application of this technology to improve water solubility and oral bioavailability of prominent examples of antiviral nucleosides is highlighted.

Keywords:

Amine-containing drugs, CD26 prodrugs, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, hydroxy-containing drugs, oral bioavailability, peptides, stability, water solubility.

Affiliation:

Institute of Medicinal Chemistry (IQM-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, E-28006 Madrid, Spain.



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