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Topical Delivery Using Prodrugs

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Prodrugs

Part of the book series: Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Aspects ((PHARMASP,volume V))

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Abstract

The objective of any prodrug approach is to transiently mask a particular functional group in a drug and thus change its physicochemical properties (solubility profile, degree of ionization), protect it from premature chemical or biological metabolism, or facilitate its active or passive transport across a biological barrier, to name only a few of the more obvious applications. In the example of the use of a prodrug approach to enhance topical delivery, a change in the physicochemical properties of the drug is the objective. That change is designed to facilitate the passive absorption across the stratum corneum (SC)—wherein lies the major barrier to permeation—into the viable epidermis and beyond, if necessary. More complete descriptions of the skin can be found in other references (Barry, 1983). Here, we use the term “topical delivery” to include dermal delivery (delivery into the skin) and transdermal delivery (delivery through the skin into systemic circulation).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610

    Kenneth B. Sloan & Scott C. Wasdo

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  1. Kenneth B. Sloan
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  2. Scott C. Wasdo
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Valentino J. Stella  & Ronald T. Borchardt  & 

  2. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ, USA

    Michael J. Hageman

  3. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA

    Reza Oliyai

  4. Roche Palo Alto, LLC, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Hans Maag

  5. Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA

    Jefferson W. Tilley

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© 2007 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

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Sloan, K.B., Wasdo, S.C. (2007). Topical Delivery Using Prodrugs. In: Stella, V.J., Borchardt, R.T., Hageman, M.J., Oliyai, R., Maag, H., Tilley, J.W. (eds) Prodrugs. Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Aspects, vol V. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-49785-3_3

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