prodrug
noun
pro·drug
ˈprō-ˌdrəg 
plural prodrugs
: a pharmacologically inactive substance that is converted in the body (as by enzymatic action) into a pharmacologically active drug
… an enzyme that transforms an inactive drug molecule, or prodrug, into an active anticancer agent.—
Scientific American Cancer Smart
Scientific American Cancer SmartOne source of the variability is the metabolism of clopidogrel, which is a prodrug requiring biotransformation to generate its active metabolite.—Jessica L. Mega
Jessica L. Mega… an orally administered prodrug of ganciclovir that provides improved bioavailability.—Bernard A. Schwetz
Bernard A. SchwetzExamples of prodrug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On the other hand, Modafinil is not a prodrug and is directly used by the body.
—The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Aug. 2023
Adrafinil | Review of Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Adrafinil is a prodrug of modafinil with a similar chemical structure.
—The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Aug. 2023
That would suggest that GS-5245, as an oral prodrug, is designed to deliver to a body’s cells GS-441524 — a technology that Gilead has long had access to.
—Mary Hui, Quartz, 6 July 2022
Chinese scientists found a creative way around Gilead’s patent, modifying GS-441524 through a process called deuteration, and filed a patent application for their new prodrug VV116 as early as April 2020.
—Mary Hui, Quartz, 6 July 2022
Sadly for Heil, the prodrug-converting stem cells weren’t enough.
—Elie Dolgin, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2015
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Aug. 2023
Adrafinil | Review of Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Adrafinil is a prodrug of modafinil with a similar chemical structure.
—The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Aug. 2023
That would suggest that GS-5245, as an oral prodrug, is designed to deliver to a body’s cells GS-441524 — a technology that Gilead has long had access to.
—Mary Hui, Quartz, 6 July 2022
Chinese scientists found a creative way around Gilead’s patent, modifying GS-441524 through a process called deuteration, and filed a patent application for their new prodrug VV116 as early as April 2020.
—Mary Hui, Quartz, 6 July 2022
Sadly for Heil, the prodrug-converting stem cells weren’t enough.
—Elie Dolgin, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2015
Dictionary Entries Near prodrug
Cite this Entry
“Prodrug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prodrug. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
prodrug
noun
pro·drug
ˈprō-ˌdrəg
: a pharmacologically inactive substance that is the modified form of a pharmacologically active drug to which it is converted (as by enzymatic action) in the body
One source of the variability is the metabolism of clopidogrel, which is a prodrug requiring biotransformation to generate its active metabolite.—Jessica L. Mega et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association
Jessica L. Mega et al., The Journal of the American Medical AssociationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share