Quick Pharmaceutical steps for preliminary evaluation of a compund as a possible oral prodrug

A mutual prodrug is the association in a unique molecule of two, usually synergetic drugs attached to each other. Mutual prodrug of aspirin with paracetamol as a model oral prodrug was prepared and identified and many pharmaceutical steps were applied including: solubility studies, hydrolysis of the prodrug in different pH from 1 to 9 to simulate the pH of the GIT and hydrolysis of the prodrug by human plasma. The results showed that the stability of the compound in the GIT should be more than its transient time in the GIT in order to be absorbed before it is hydrolyzed, and the compound should be hydrolyzed after it is absorbed from the GIT with in suitable time in comparison to its elimination half life. These studies can be considered as quick pharmaceutical studies for preliminary evaluation of any suggested prodrug, if the compound passes these steps successfully then further pharmaceutical studies is suggested for the final recommendation.