A prodrug approach to increasing the oral potency of a phenolic drug. Part 2. Pharmacodynamics and preliminary bioavailability of an orally administered O-(imidomethyl) derivative of 17 beta-estradiol.

The O-saccharinylmethyl prodrug of 17 beta-estradiol was about nine times as potent, based on 50% effective dose (ED50) values, as 17 beta-estradiol when each was given as an oral dose to ovariectomized rats. Similarly, a significant lowering of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels at 24 h was observed when an ED50 dose of the prodrug was given but not when an equimolar dose of 17 beta-estradiol was given orally. However, when given intravenously, there was no difference in potency between the two drugs. In the bioavailability studies, a significantly longer half-life (approximately 5-7 times) for 17B-estradiol was observed when the prodrug was given orally than when 17 beta-estradiol was given orally or when the prodrug or 17 beta-estradiol were given intravenously. This result was consistent with an observed five-fold enhancement in the oral bioavailability of 17 beta-estradiol when the prodrug was given.