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

One source of the variability is the metabolism of clopidogrel, which is a prodrug requiring biotransformation to generate its active metabolite.

—Jessica L. Mega

… an orally administered prodrug of ganciclovir that provides improved bioavailability.

—Bernard A. Schwetz

Examples 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

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Medical 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