title: New prodrugs against tuberculosis.
abstract: The term 'prodrug' was first introduced by Albert in 1958. Generally, prodrugs can be utilized for improving active drug solubility and bioavailability, increasing drug permeability and absorption, modifying the distribution profile, preventing fast metabolism and excretion, and reducing toxicity. Previously, the prodrug approach was a final resort during the drug discovery process only after all other approaches had been exhausted. However, this strategy is now considered during the early stages of the drug development process. Most antitubercular agents are defined as 'prodrugs', including isoniazid and ethionamide. Thus, the prodrug approach could provide novel targets for the rational design of more effective treatments for tuberculosis (TB).
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mori
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Laurent Roberto
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Chiarelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riccardi
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', University of Pavia, via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy. Electronic address: mariarosalia.pasca@unipv.it.
authors.forename: Maria Rosalia
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Pasca
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D011355:Prodrugs