Some facts about Prodrugs. (Prurisol) http://m.
Post# of 72440
http://m.pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/63/3/750.full
"To emphasize the extent of the successful implementation of the prodrug approach, almost 15% of the 100 best-selling small-molecular-weight drugs in 2009 were prodrugs"
"The rationale behind the use of prodrugs is generally to optimize the so-called “drug-like” properties [i.e., absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME1) properties] because they can cause considerable problems in subsequent drug development, if unfavourable (Table 1). In addition, the prodrug strategy has been used to increase the selectivity of drugs for their intended target. This can not only improve the efficacy of the drug but also decrease systemic and/or unwanted tissue/organ-specific toxicity"
"In fact, approximately 20% of all small molecular drugs approved during the period 2000 to 2008 were prodrugs."