Abstract

The prodrug approach using various carriers has evolved as a significant tool in surmounting different obstacles in relation to drug formulation and targeting. Properties and selection of carriers or promoeities is a very important parameter in successful prodrug design. Carrier would change a drug’s physical attributes in order to increase its fat or water solubility or to allow site-directed delivery. Though several studies have been carried out on various prodrugs, surprisingly very few reviews on different carriers, which can be used for prodrug synthesis were published to date. In this review different types of carriers, which can be used for prodrug synthesis are summarized. Examples of both marketed and investigational prodrugs using several promoieties are discussed with their advantages and future prospects. The present review is expected to be useful for scientists working in the field of drug discovery and development.