prodrug

[ proh-druhg ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an inactive substance that is converted to a drug within the body by the action of enzymes or other chemicals.

prodrug

/ ˈprəʊˌdrʌɡ /

noun

1. a compound that is itself biologically inactive but is metabolized in the body to produce an active therapeutic drug

Word History and Origins

Origin of prodrug¹

pro- ¹ + drug ¹

Example Sentences

The drug, JHU083, is a type of molecule called a prodrug that cells inside the body convert into an active drug.

From Science Daily

It is a so-called prodrug, a substance that needs to be enzymatically activated in the bacterium to kill it.

From Science Daily

Therefore, the discovered molecules act as prodrug boosters, providing another alternative approach to the development of conventional antibiotics.

From Science Daily

The research team designed a novel photoactivatable prodrug nanosystem.

From Science Daily

The FA prodrug itself probably will not be pursued as a candidate drug to fight Pseudomonas infections, Geddes said.

From Science Daily