01926nas a2200229   4500000000100000008004100001653001300042653001800055653001400073653002100087653002100108653003400129100001400163700001600177700001600193700001200209700001700221245009900238856026000337300000900597520109000606       2024                            d10aProdrugs10aDrug delivery10aNTD drugs10aPharmacokinetics10aPharmacodynamics10apharmacological  optimization1 aMathew TS1 aAbubakar MY1 aDanbatta MN1 aAdam AB1 aShamsudden R00aProdrug Strategies for Improving the Efficacy of NTD Drugs: a Chemical and Pharmacology Review  uhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ansar-Adam/publication/382828017_PRODRUG_STRATEGIES_FOR_IMPROVING_THE_EFFICACY_OF_NTD_DRUGS_A_CHEMICAL_AND_PHARMACOLOGY_REVIEW/links/66ada7b38f7e1236bc32bf2c/PRODRUG-STRATEGIES-FOR-IMPROVING-THE-EFFICACY-OF-NTD-DRUGS-A  a1-143 a<p>Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a significant global health issue, affecting millions in low-income areas. Traditional treatments are often ineffective, causing side effects. Prodrug strategies could improve the pharmacological profiles of NTD drugs, addressing issues like efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics. Prodrug strategies offer a promising approach to enhancing the efficacy of NTD drugs by optimizing their delivery, activation, and pharmacological activity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of prodrug design, development, and optimization for NTD drugs, highlighting chemical and pharmacological aspects. This review discusses prodrug strategies for antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory agents, focusing on activation mechanisms, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, and structure-activity relationships. It also addresses challenges in prodrug development, stability, formulation, and regulatory considerations. The review aims to inspire innovative solutions for improving NTD drug efficacy and patient outcomes.</p>