Prodrugs are chemically modified derivatives of active pharmaceutical agents designed to overcome pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) barriers that limit drug efficacy and safety. By enhancing properties such as solubility, permeability, and stability, prodrugs improve bioavailability, reduce off-target effects, and facilitate targeted delivery. Advances in computational modeling, synthetic chemistry, and nanotechnology have enabled the design of more efficient and personalized prodrug therapies. This review explores recent developments in prodrug research, including novel approaches such as gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and controlled-release formulations. It discusses how advancements in computational tools and nanotechnology aid in optimizing prodrug design, as well as personalized medicine strategies that tailor therapies based on individual genetic and metabolic profiles. Continuous innovation in prodrug research, supported by cutting-edge technologies and personalized medicine, has the potential to revolutionize treatment strategies, improve patient care, and advance the field of medicine.
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Sharma et al. (2026) studied this question.
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