Stereoisomeric Dipeptide Prodrug Approach for Retina and Posterior Segment Disease

Abstract

Stereoisomeric dipeptide prodrug approach has overcome the barriers of the conventional drug delivery method. This approach offers a much more efficient release of the drug by becoming active after the drug is inside the body. Acyclovir (ACV) drug is mostly used to treat herpes, and it was modified by addition of stereospecific dipeptides, L-valine and D-valine, resulting in L-valine-D-valine-acyclovir. This prodrug disintegrates into the parent drug ACV inside the body. This chapter discusses the synthesis method of such drugs along with the types of diseases that could be treated. Moreover, various drug delivery methods are also mentioned, which further encapsulate these stereoisomeric dipeptide prodrugs like nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for additional layer of protection to ensure better absorption. Although there are still some challenges that need to be considered including toxicity, error in absorption rate, and other side effects, by overcoming these issues we will be able to focus on the future applications of such a capable drug delivery method.