Title:Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV (DPP IV/CD26)-Activated Prodrugs: A Successful Strategy for Improving Water Solubility and Oral Bioavailability
Volume: 22
Issue: 8
Author(s): Sonsoles Velazquez, Sonia de Castro, Alberto Diez-Torrubia, Jan Balzarini and María-Jose Camarasa
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Amine-containing drugs, CD26 prodrugs, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, hydroxy-containing drugs, oral bioavailability,
peptides, stability, water solubility.
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.
