Coumarin-based prodrugs 2. Synthesis and bioreversibility studies of an esterase-sensitive cyclic prodrug of DADLE, an opioid peptide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0960-894X(96)00526-4

A coumarin-based esterase-sensitive cyclic prodrug of an opioid peptide, DADLE, was prepared. The cyclic prodrug quickly released (t( 1/4 ) = 761 min) its original peptide, DADLE, upon esterase catalyzed hydrolysis. Such a system can be used for the preparation of cyclic prodrugs of other biologically active peptides aimed at improving their bioavailability.