In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Novel Water-Soluble N-Glycyl Prodrug (N-GLY-CBZ) of Carbamazepine

The synthesis and characterization of N-glycyl-carbamazepine (N-Gly-CBZ), an N-acyl urea derivative of carbamazepine (CBZ) designed to act as a prodrug and convert to CBZ and glycine in vivo by enzymatic cleavage of the glycyl-urea bond was recently reported. The rate and extent of conversion of N-Gly-CBZ to CBZ in a whole animal model is reported here along with supporting in vitro data. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for N-Gly-CBZ and CBZ following IV and oral administration of N-Gly-CBZ and CBZ control to rats using a crossover design. The in vivo elimination of N-Gly-CBZ following IV administration in rats was biphasic in nature with a t_1/2 of about 1.1 min, which was very similar to the t_1/2 for appearance of CBZ. The mean value for the relative AUC ratio for CBZ from N-Gly-CBZ and CBZ from a cyclodextrin solution showed that N-Gly-CBZ delivered a 98 ± 16% (± SD) equivalent dose of CBZ in six rats. The results of the IV dosing pharmacokinetics investigation were consistent with N-Gly-CBZ acting as a prodrug with rapid and complete conversion to CBZ in vivo. The overall absolute oral bioavailability of CBZ from N-Gly-CBZ was determined to be 41 ± 14% in three rats. The relative oral bioavailability of CBZ from N-Gly-CBZ compared to an oral CBZ control was 1.72 ± 0.54. That is, the prodrug, N-Gly-CBZ, demonstrated superior oral bioavailability of CBZ over the CBZ control, which was likely due to its greater aqueous solubility.     

A Novel Prodrug Strategy for β-Dicarbonyl Carbon Acids: Syntheses and Evaluation of the Physicochemical Characteristics of C-Phosphoryloxymethyl (POM) and Phosphoryloxymethyloxymethyl (POMOM) Prodrug Derivatives

The C-phosphoryloxymethyl (POM) and phosphoryloxymethyloxymethyl (POMOM) prodrugs resulting from derivatization at the reactive α-carbon of β-dicarbonyl carbon acid drugs represent a unique approach for improving their chemical stability and aqueous solubility. This work evaluates the physicochemical and in vitro enzymatic bioconversion lability of selected prodrugs of phenylbutazone and phenindione. The POM and POMOM prodrug derivatives of phenylbutazone are highly water soluble (≥ 250 mg/mL), chemically stable with projected shelf-lives of 4.5 years (pH 3.5, 25°C) and 1.1 years (pH 6.0, 25°C), respectively. Interestingly, both prodrug derivatives do not display a pH-dependency typical of many phosphate monoesters, although the similarities of their apparent thermodynamic activation parameters indicate a hydrolysis mechanism similar to other phosphates. These prodrugs undergo alkaline phosphatases catalyzed bioconversion to their respective carbon acids with an expected faster rate exhibited by the POMOM derivatives. Additionally, in marked contrast to the oxidative instability of phenindione, its POM prodrug is stable. The results from these studies reaffirm the rationale of transiently “masking” the reactive α-carbon/proton bond by covalently incorporating a POM or POMOM promoiety. This prodrug strategy presents a twofold advantage, enhancement of aqueous solubility and prevention of oxidative instability, two intrinsic formulation limitations found for β-dicarbonyl carbon acid drugs.     

The use of cyclodextrins in ophthalmic formulations of dipivefrin

Dipivefrine (dipivalyl epinephrine, DPE) is a dipivalic acid ester prodrug of epinephrine. The present study evaluates the possible use of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) or sulfobutyl ether β-cyclodextrin ((SBE)_7m-β-CD) in ophthalmic formulations of DPE in order to increase the aqueous stability of DPE. The solubility of DPE was determined by phase-solubility method at pH 7.4 while the stability of DPE was investigated as a function of temperature (37–70°C) and CD concentrations at pH 5.0 and 7.4. The effect of HP-β-CD and (SBE)_7m-β-CD on the aqueous phase to organic phase transfer kinetics was studied with an aqueous buffer/n-octanol system, while the effect of (SBE)_7m-β-CD on (in vitro) corneal uptake of DPE was studied with isolated rabbit corneas in order to predict the ophthalmic bioavailability of DPE in the presence of CD. The negatively charged (SBE)_7m-β-CD formed significantly stronger inclusion complexes with the positively charged DPE (pK_a=9.01) and enhanced the aqueous stability of DPE significantly more compared to the neutral cyclodextrin HP-β-CD. At room temperature and at pH values of 5.0 and 7.4, 9.2 mM (SBE)_7m-β-CD increased the aqueous stability of DPE about 20- and 100-fold, respectively, while 9.2 mM HP-β-CD increased the stability about four to five times. The phase-transfer and in vitro corneal uptake studies suggested that the complexation of DPE with both CDs may decrease the ophthalmic availability of DPE.     

Formulation parameters of albendazole solution

The solubility of albendazole, a poorly water-soluble drug was evaluated. The effect of cosolvents and pH on the aqueous solubility of albendazole are described here. Albendazole aqueous solubility was tested over the pH range of 1.2–7.5. Albendazole solubility was lower for the highest pH values. The solubility coefficient obtained was 0.376 mg/ml in a 1.2 pH buffer solution. Transcutol was the cosolvent with which the increase of the solubility was highest. Albendazole solubility at different percentages of transcutol presented a sigmoid kinetic with an initial acceleration phase. This kinetic shows an exponential correlation for transcutol values smaller than 80%). The exponent value (n) was higher as the pH of the solution was increased. This high value of the exponent (n) is due to a stronger influence of the transcutol on the solubility of albendazole at elevated pH values. The albendazole solution containing 40% w/w of transcutol in a pH 1.2 buffer solution was selected because of its high solubility (2.226 mg/ml). Analysis of the stability data of this albendazole solution showed good correlation (r = 0.9831) when the data were fitted to a first order equation. This albendazole solution showed good stability, with less than 10%, degradation occurring after 30 days of storage at 4°C.     

Effect of propylene glycol,Azone and n-decylmethyl sulphoxide on skin permeation kinetics of 5-fluorouracil

The effect of propylene glycol (PG), azone (LDA) and n-decylmethyl sulfoxide (LDB) on the permeation course of fluorouracil through the hairless mouse skin was studied. Steady-state fluxes and permeability coefficients were measured in buffer solutions and in systems containing the enhancing agents. The permeation rates of fluorouracil have been shown to be highly pH dependent in the pH range of 5–9, the rate decreases with an increase in pH. The solubility of fluorouracil in pure propylene glycol at equilibrium measured by the solubility method was found to be 2.2 mg · ml^?1 at 25°C which is a relatively low value as compared to the solubility in water. The effect of various concentrations of propylene glycol in aqueous donor solutions on the drug permeation rate was examined at pH's 5.7 and 9.0. It was found that propylene glycol decreases the permeation flux when increasing concentrations are added to the aqueous pH 5.7 system; however, at pH 9, a strong enhancement effect was shown. PG was also found to decrease the drug reservoir in the hairless mouse skin e.g. 8.4 and 2.8 mg · (mg skin)^?1 for buffer pH 9 and PG/aqueous solution pH 9 systems, respectively. The concentration dependent enhancement effects of azone and n-decylmethyl sulfoxide have been measured. Both have been found to be potent enhancing agents. However, at relatively low concentrations such as 5%, Azone induced a 50-fold and n-decylmethyl sulfoxide only a two-fold enhancement of the drug steady-state flux. At high concentrations as much as 40%, n-decylmethyl sulfoxide appears to be more effective than Azone. The fluxes measured with these systems were 0.21, 0.17 and 0.003 mg · cm^?2 · h^?1 for the n-decylmethyl sulphoxide, Azone and PG/H₂O systems, respectively.     

Solubilization of naphthoquinones by complexation with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

The effects of the hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) on the solubility of 2-hydroxy-N-(5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone-4-imine (I) were investigated. I is an experimental drug for the treatment of cancer which exhibits low water solubility and it is therefore difficult to prepare the solutions for biological tests. The presence of an ionizable hydroxyl moiety (pK_a=5.80) increases the solubility via pH adjustment, but only a solubility of 0.124 mg/ml was obtained at pH 8.00. I was found to form inclusion complexes in either its neutral or its anionic form with HPCD. Although the stability constant of the I complex is larger in the neutral form, a greater overall solubility is obtained when I is in its ionized form. A 270-fold solubility enhancement is possible by using a combined approach of pH adjustment and complexation with HPCD.     

Testosterone 17beta-N,N-dimethylglycinate hydrochloride: A prodrug with a potential for nasal delivery of testosterone

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of the nasal route for the systemic delivery of the poorly water-soluble drug testosterone (TS) using a water-soluble prodrug, TS 17beta-N,N-dimethylglycinate hydrochloride. The physicochemical properties of the prodrug, in vitro hydrolysis in human liver homogenate, and in vivo nasal and intravenous experiments were performed in rats. The aqueous solubility of the prodrug was more than 100 mg/mL, compared with 0.01 mg/mL for TS, and its log partition coefficient between 0.05 M, phosphate buffer (pH 6) and octanol was 2.4. The prodrug was found to generate TS in 33% human liver homogenate and was absorbed from the nasal cavity rapidly and quantitatively. The bioavailabilities of both the prodrug and TS after nasal administration of the prodrug were similar to that after equivalent intravenous doses. These studies in rats suggest that this water-soluble prodrug of TS may have therapeutic utility for the management of TS deficiency.     

Solubility Behavior,Phase Transition,and Structure-Based Nucleation Inhibition of Etanidazole in Aqueous Solutions

Purpose. The solubility behavior, phase transition and inhibition of the nucleation process of etanidazole were characterized. Methods. Solubility measurements as a function of time permitted characterization of the solubility behavior and phase transition. The precipitate from saturated solutions was isolated and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized light microscopy, x-ray powder diffraction and coulometric analysis. The physical stability of metastable systems was examined in the presence of various structure-based nucleation inhibitors. Results. Etanidazole is soluble in water with an equilibrium solubility of 68.1 mg/mL, pH 6.5 with changes in pH having virtually no effect on the solubility. Etanidazole reaches concentrations in excess of 150 mg/mL within one hour. Etanidazole solutions prepared at 150 mg/ mL contained crystals after rotating for 24 hours. The crystals were isolated and characterized as etanidazole monohydrate. The solubility of etanidazole monohydrate in water increased with time reaching an equilibrium solubility of 68 mg/mL after 24 hours. Therefore, the solubility studies were actually determining the solubility of the more stable monohydrate form of etanidazole. Etanidazole solutions at concentrations of 50, 100 and 150 mg/mL were stabilized to varying degrees with structure-based nucleation inhibitors (imidazole, ethanolamine or diethanolamine). Conclusions. Anhydrous etanidazole undergoes a transition in aqueous solutions to the more stable monohydrate when the solubility of the monohydrate is exceeded. The physical stability of etanidazole solutions at 4°C is improved following autoclaving. The addition of structure-based nucleation inhibitors effectively stabilized the metastable systems.     

Investigation of Ethylene Oxide-co-propylene Oxide for Dissolution Enhancement of Hot-Melt Extruded Solid Dispersions

The optimal design of amorphous solid dispersion formulations requires the use of excipients to maintain supersaturation and improve physical stability to ensure shelf-life stability and better absorption during intestinal transit, respectively. Blends of excipients (surfactants and polymers) are often used within pharmaceutical products to improve the oral delivery of Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II drugs. Therefore, in this study, a dissolution enhancer, poloxamer 407 (P407), was investigated to determine its effect on the dissolution properties and on the amorphous nature of the active pharmaceutical ingredient contained in the formulation. Phase solubility studies of indomethacin (INM) in aqueous solutions of P407 and poly(vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer) showed an increase in the kinetic solubility of INM compared with the pure drug at 37°C with a K_a value of 0.041 μg/mL. The solid dispersions showed a higher dissolution rate when compared to pure and amorphous drugs when performed in pH buffer 1.2 with a kinetic solubility of 21 μg/mL. The stability data showed that the amorphous drug in solid solutions with poly(vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer) and P407 remained amorphous, and the %P407 loading had no effect on the amorphous stability of INM. This study concluded that the amorphous solid dispersion contributed to the increased solubility of INM.     

Prodrugs of Peptides. 11. Chemical and Enzymatic Hydrolysis Kinetics of N-Acyloxymethyl Derivatives of a Peptide-like Bond

Various carboxylic acid esters of the N-hydroxymethyl derivative of N-benzyloxycarbonylglycine benzylamide, used as a peptide-like model, were prepared and their decomposition kinetics studied in aqueous solution and in human plasma solutions. These N-acyloxymethylamide derivatives were found to undergo a facile decomposition by a pH-independent process in the pH range 4–8.5, the half-lives being 1–11hr at 37°C. The cause of this limited stability was suggested to be due to the occurrence of an elimination-addition mechanism involving a reactive N-acyliminium ion intermediate. In alkaline solutions (pH > 10) the derivatives showed a normal ester stability. The ester group in the N-acyloxymethyl derivatives was readily hydrolyzed by plasma enzymes to yield the N-hydroxymethyl amide, which subsequently decomposed to the parent amide. The results obtained suggest that N-acyloxymethylation of a peptide bond may be a useful prodrug approach to obtain derivatives with varying lipophilicities and a ready ability to undergo conversion to the parent peptide in vivo. However, the stability of the derivatives in aqueous solutions is limited.     

Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo characterization of novel ethyl dioxy phosphate prodrug of propofol

A novel ethyl dioxy phosphate prodrug of propofol (3) was synthesized and characterized in vitro and in vivo as safer alternative for phosphonooxymethyl prodrugs. The synthesis of 3 was achieved via vinyl and 1-chloroethyl ether intermediates, followed by addition of phosphate group. Aqueous solubility and chemical stability of 3 was determined in buffer solutions and the bioconversion of 3 to propofol was determined in vitro and in vivo. The results show that 3 greatly enhanced the aqueous solubility of propofol (solubility over 10 mg/mL) and the stability in buffer solution (t1/2=5.2+/-0.2 days at pH 7.4, r.t.) was sufficient for i.v. administration. The enzymatic hydrolysis of 3 to propofol was extremely rapid in vitro (t1/2=21+/-3s) and 3 was readily converted to propofol in vivo in rats. During bioconversion, 3 releases acetaldehyde, a less toxic compound than the formaldehyde released from the phosphonooxymethyl prodrug of propofol (Aquavan), currently undergoing clinical trials. The maximum plasma concentration of propofol, 3.0+/-0.2 microg/mL, was reached within 2.1+/-0.8 min after the i.v. administration of 3. The present study indicates that ethyl dioxy phosphate represents a potentially useful water-soluble prodrug structure suitable for i.v. administration.     

In situ monitoring of carbamazepine–nicotinamide cocrystal intrinsic dissolution behaviour

Cocrystals have shown huge potential to improve the dissolution rate and absorption of a poorly water soluble drug. However, solution mediated phase transformation of cocrystals could greatly reduce the enhancement of its apparent solubility and dissolution rate. The aim of this study is to gain a deep understanding of the phase transition behaviour of cocrystals during dissolution and to investigate the improvement of dissolution rate. Dissolution and transformation behaviour of carbamazepine–nicotinamide (CBZ–NIC) cocrystal, physical mixture and different forms of carbamazepine: form I (CBZ I), form III (CBZ III) and dihydrate (CBZ DH) were studied by different in situ techniques of UV imaging and Raman spectroscopy. It has been found that compared with CBZ III and I, the rate of intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) of CBZ–NIC cocrystal decreases slowly during dissolution, indicating the rate of crystallisation of CBZ DH from the solution is slow. In situ solid-state characterisation has shown the evolution of conversion of CBZ–NIC cocrystal and polymorphs to its dihydrate form. The study has shown that in situ UV imaging and Raman spectroscopy with a complementary technique of SEM can provide an in depth understanding during dissolution of cocrystals.     

Chemical Stability of Esters of Nicotinic Acid Intended for Pulmonary Administration by Liquid Ventilation

Purpose. It has been suggested that fluorocarbon liquid may be a unique vehicle for the delivery of drugs directly to the acutely injured lung. A prodrug approach was used as a means of enhancing the solubility of a model drug (nicotinic acid) in the fluorocarbon. The solubility, the chemical stability of the putative prodrugs, and the sensitivity to enzymatic hydrolysis was investigated. Methods. The solubility of each nicotinic acid ester was determined in buffer as a function of pH and in perflubron. The octanol/buffer partition coefficient was determined at pH 7.4. The chemical stability of the putative prodrugs was determined as a function of pH, temperature, buffer content, and ionic strength. In addition, sensitivity of the esters to enzymatic degradation was evaluated. Results. Compared with nicotinic acid, the solubility in perflubron of the esters was significantly enhanced. In aqueous buffers, the esters exhibited pseudo-first order degradation kinetics, with both acid and base catalyzed loss. Studies of the fluorobutyl ester indicate quantitative loss of the putative prodrug and release of the parent nicotinic acid. Porcine esterase accelerated the loss of fluorobutyl ester by a factor of over 200 compared with chemical hydrolysis at pH 7.4. Conclusions. The properties of the fluorinated esters suggest that they may be suitable candidates for further testing as possible prodrugs of nicotinic acid based upon higher solubility in perflubron, rapid release of the parent drug after simple hydrolysis, and sensitivity to the presence of a model esterase enzyme.     

Allopurinol prodrugs. I. Synthesis,stability and physicochemical properties of various N1-acyl allopurinol derivatives

Seven novel N₁-acyl derivatives of allopurinol were synthesized and evaluated as potential prodrugs with the purpose of developing preparations suitable for rectal and parenteral administration. The kinetics of hydrolysis of the derivatives was studied in aqueous solutions at various pH-values and in human plasma solutions at 37° C. All the compounds hydrolyzed to yield allopurinol in quantitative amounts and rate expressions were derived to account for the pH-rate profiles observed. The rates of hydrolysis were accelerated by plasma enzymes, the half-lives of hydrolysis in 80% human plasma solutions at 37°C being 6, 4, 2.5 and 4 min for the N₁-acetyl, N₁-propionyl, N₁-butyryl and N₁-benzoyl derivatives, respectively. These N-acyl derivatives were more lipophilic than allopurinol as determined by partition experiments in octanol-water but the solubility in water was even greater (the N₁-acetyl derivative) or only slightly reduced (the other derivatives) as compared with allopurinol. This behaviour was attributed to a decreased intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the crystal lattice achieved by blocking the 1-NH group by acylation. It is suggested that N₁-acylation may be a promising means of obtaining prodrug forms of allopurinol with the aim of enhancing the rectal delivery characteristics of the drug. This was confirmed in preliminary animal experiments. Two highly water-soluble derivatives, 1-(N,N-dimethylglycyl)allopurinol hydrochloride and 1-(4-N,N-di-methylaminobutyryl)allopurinol hydrochloride, were prepared but found to be less suitable as parenteral delivery forms of allopurinol due to a very limited stability in aqueous solution, arising from intramolecular catalysis by the dimethylamino group in the acyl moiety.     

Degradation of Paclitaxel and Related Compounds in Aqueous Solutions III: Degradation Under Acidic pH Conditions and Overall Kinetics

Paclitaxel and related taxanes are complex molecules with numerous hydrolysable ester groups, possible epimerization at the 7‐position, and possessing a strained oxetane ring, a possible site for acid‐catalyzed cleavage. Presented here is the stability of paclitaxel, 10‐deacetylbaccatin III, baccatin III, and N‐benzoyl‐3‐phenylisoserine ethyl ester in aqueous solution over a pH range of 1–5 at various temperatures. Analysis of various samples was by HPLC–UV and LC–MS. Baccatin III, 10‐deacetylbaccatin III, and N‐benzoyl‐3‐phenylisoserine ethyl ester were found to undergo acid catalysis since pH‐rate profiles all followed a first‐order dependency in hydrogen ion concentration. No evidence of any epimerization was noted at acidic pH values. Baccatin III and 10‐deacetylbaccatin III showed similar degradation rates with possible products being possible dehydration around the 13‐hydroxy group and cleavage of the oxetane ring. Cleavage of the 10‐acetyl group of baccatin III was a minor initial pathway. N‐Benzoyl‐3‐phenylisoserine ethyl ester degraded significantly slower than both 10‐deacetylbaccatin III and baccatin III. At pH 2, paclitaxel degraded at a rate between that of N‐benzoyl‐3‐phenylisoserine ethyl ester and 10‐deacetylbaccatin III. The pH of maximum stability for all compounds appeared to be around pH 4. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99: 1288–1298, 2010     

Polyamidomine dendrimers: an excellent drug carrier for improving the solubility and bioavailability of puerarin

The potential of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers as solubility enhancers and oral drug delivery system was well known. Herein, we investigated the possibility of PAMAM dendrimers for promoting the solubility and oral bioavailability of puerarin. In the present study, the effect of PAMAM dendrimers with different generations (G1.5, G2, G2.5, and G3) on the solubility of puerarin was evaluated at different concentrations and pH conditions. Further more, the puerarin–G2 dendrimer complex was conducted for the in vitro hemolytic toxicity studies and pharmacokinetics studies in rats. The solubility of puerarin was significantly higher in the presence of the full generation dendrimers (e.g. G2 and G3). No significant hemolysis was observed on erythrocytes (G2, 0–2.5?mg/mL) in the hemolytic toxicity studies. The pharmacokinetics parameters T_max, C_max, and AUC_{0–8 h} of puerarin suspension solution and puerarin–G2 dendrimer complex solution were 0.76?h, 1.50 µg/mL, 7.33 µg·h/mL and 0.33?h, 6.49 µg/mL, 14.02 µg·h/mL, respectively. These studies demonstrate that PAMAM dendrimers may be a promising strategy for peroral delivery of puerarin.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Polar Functionalities Containing Nitrodihydroimidazooxazoles as Anti-TB Agents

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Preformulation study of methazolamide for topical ophthalmic delivery: Physicochemical properties and degradation kinetics in aqueous solutions

Methazolamide (MTZ) is an anti-glaucoma drug. The present paper aims to characterize the physicochemical properties and degradation kinetics of MTZ to provide a basis for topical ophthalmic delivery. With the increase in pH (pH 5.5–8.0) of aqueous solution, the solubility of the compound increased while the partition coefficient (Ko/w) which was estimated in the system n-octanol/aqueous solution decreased. The degradation of MTZ in aqueous solution followed pseudo-first-order kinetic. The degradation rate k_pH is the rate in the absence of buffer catalysis. Plotting the natural logarithm of k_pH versus the corresponding pH value gave a V-shaped pH-rate profile with a maximum stability at pH 5.0. The degradation rate constants as a function of the temperature obeyed the Arrhenius equation (R² = 0.9995 at pH 7.0 and R² = 0.9955 at pH 9.0, respectively). A decrease in ionic strength and buffer concentration displayed a stabilizing effect on MTZ. Buffer species also influenced the MTZ hydrolysis. Phosphate buffer system was more catalytic than tris and borate buffer systems. In brief, it is important to consider the physicochemical properties and the stability of MTZ during formulation.     

Cellular Delivery of Nucleoside Diphosphates: A Prodrug Approach

Purpose. This study is concerned with cellular delivery/generation of 2′-azido-2′-deoxyuridine and -deoxycytidine diphosphate (N₃UDP or N₃CDP), potent inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase. It characterizes the phosphorylation steps involved in the conversion of 2′-azido-2′-deoxyuridine (N₃Urd) and 2′-azido-2′-deoxycytidine (N₃Cyd) to the corresponding diphosphates and explores a prodrug approach in cellular delivery of the inhibitor which circumvents the requirement of deoxynucleoside kinases. Methods. Cell growth of CHO and 3T6 cells of known deoxycytidine kinase level was determined in the presence of N₃Urd and N₃Cyd. Activity of ribonucleotide reductase was determined in the presence of the azidonucleosides as well as their mono- or di-phosphates in a Tween 80-containing permeabilizing buffer. A prodrug of 5′-monophosphate of N₃Urd was prepared and its biological activity was evaluated with CHO cells as well as with cells transfected with deoxycytidine kinase. Results. N₃Urd failed to inhibit the growth of both cell lines, while N₃Cyd was active against 3T6 cells and moderately active against CHO cells. These results correlate with the deoxycytidine kinase levels found in the cells. Importance of the kinase was further established with the finding that the nucleoside analogs were inactive as reductase inhibitors in a permeabilized cell assay system while their mono- and di-phosphates were equally active. The prodrug was active in cell growth inhibition regardless of the deoxycytidine kinase level. Conclusions. The azidonucleosides become potent inhibitors of the reductase by two sequential phosphorylation steps. The present study indicates that the first step to monophosphate is rate-limiting, justifying a prodrug approach with the monophosphate.