What Are Prodrugs and How Do Catalysts Activate Them?
A prodrug is an inactive compound that is metabolized in the body to produce an active drug. Catalytic activation of prodrugs ensures that the drug is released only in the target area, minimizing side effects. For instance, enzymes or nanoparticles can act as catalysts to convert prodrugs into their active forms specifically in tumor tissues, enhancing the treatment's efficacy and safety.