Prodrug

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009501",
  "term": "Prodrug",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A pharmacologically inactive compound that undergoes a metabolic or chemical transformation within the body to release an active drug. This strategy is employed to improve drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties, or to reduce toxicity. Many prodrugs are designed to be activated by specific enzymes or pH conditions in target tissues.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "pharmacological"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 377. 'Terminology for biorelated polymers and applications (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 402 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-10-12-04)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/prodrug/"
}