The synthesis of a c(RGDyK) targeted SN38 prodrug with an indolequinone structure for bioreductive drug release.

Preparation of a novel c(RGDyK) targeted SN38 prodrug incorporating an indolequinone structure for bioreductively triggered drug release is described. This design yields a prodrug that targets surface molecules on tumor cells (alpha(v)beta(3) integrins) and releases drug under bioreductive conditions. There are three moieties in the prodrug design, namely a therapeutic drug SN38, an indolequinone structure serving as a drug releasing trigger, and an alpha(v)beta(3) integrin targeting peptide c(RGDyK). Preliminary studies showed that SN38 is released in the presence of a bioreductive enzyme (DT-diaphorase).