| abstract |
Provided are carboxylic ester derivatives of formula (I), methods of preparing them, and methods for using them. These compounds are prodrugs of D-isoglutamyl-[D/L]-tryptophan. The in vitro bioconversion of some of the prodrugs to the parent drug D-isoglutamyl-D-tryptophan (or thymodepressin) was tested in human hepatocytes and in human blood. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies following oral administration of some of the prodrugs to rats are also reported. |