Strategy for Traceless Codrug Delivery with Platinum(IV) Prodrug Complexes Using Self-Immolative Linkers

Inorg Chem. 2021 Feb 1;60(3):1823-1831. doi: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c03299. Epub 2021 Jan 19.

Abstract

A common challenge in Pt(IV) prodrug design is the limited repertoire of linkers available to connect the Pt(IV) scaffold with the bioactive payload. The commonly employed linkers are either too stable, leading to a linker artifact on the payload upon release, or too unstable, leading to premature release. In this study, we report the synthesis of a new class of Pt(IV) prodrugs using masked self-immolative 4-aminobenzyl linkers for controlled and traceless codrug delivery. Upon reduction of self-immolative Pt(IV) prodrugs, the detached axial ligands undergo decarboxylation and 1,6-elimination for payload release. Introduction of self-immolative linkers conferred good aqueous stability to the Pt(IV) codrug complex. Investigation revealed that efficient 1,6-elimination could be attributed to stabilization of the p-aza-quinone-methide intermediate. In particular, the self-immolative Pt(IV) prodrugs with cinnamate and coumarin derivatives were more potent than the coadministration of cisplatin with an unconjugated cinnamate or coumarin payload in vitro.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cisplatin / chemistry*
  • Cisplatin / pharmacology
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / chemistry*
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / pharmacology
  • Prodrugs / chemical synthesis
  • Prodrugs / chemistry*
  • Prodrugs / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Organoplatinum Compounds
  • Prodrugs
  • Cisplatin