PRODRUGS AND TARGETED DRUG-DELIVERY

The purpose of this work is to review the viability of the prodrug app roach as a means of attaining targeted drug delivery. Through the use of simple pharmacokinetic models, the initial discussion focuses on de fining targeting and resolving the pharmacokinetic characteristics, of both the drug and corresponding prodrug, necessary to achieve optimal targeted delivery. Next, several examples of where the prodrug approa ch has been used to achieve targeted delivery will be discussed. Lastl y, due to the considerable attention it has received over the last 10 years, a brief section has been devoted to targeting by the use of pro drugs in combination with monoclonal antibodies.