Synthesis, kinetic studies and pharmacological evaluation of mutual azo prodrugs of 5-aminosalicylic acid for colon-specific drug delivery in inflammatory bowel disease

Colon-specific mutual azo prodrugs of 5-aminosalicylic acid with essential amino acids were synthesized for the management of inflammatory bowel disease. The structures were confirmed by elemental and spectral analyses. 85–88% release of 5-aminosalicylic acid was achieved in rat fecal matter with half-lives ranging from 140 to 160 min, following first order kinetics. The prodrugs exhibited comparable ameliorating effect as that of sulfasalazine on trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced experimental colitis in rats with a better safety profile.

Graphical abstractColon-specific mutual azo prodrugs were of 5-aminosalicylic acids were synthesized for the management of inflammatory bowel disease.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide