GLP-1 PRODRUGS

The invention relates to a GLP-1 prodrug of the general formula I: R1-(NHXaa1)-Xaa2-(OHis)-(GLP-1 peptide) (Formula I), wherein GLP-1 peptide is GLP-1(8-37) (SEQ ID NO: 1) or an analog thereof having a maximum of nine amino acid changes as compared to GLP-1(8-37), R1 is lower alkyl, (NHXaa1) is an amino acid, Xaa2 is an amino acid, and (OHis) is a radical of imidazole-lactic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, amide, or ester of the prodrug. The invention also relates to specific GLP-1 parent drugs of the general formula II: (HOHis)-(GLP-1 peptide) (Formula II), as well as specific intermediate products. The invention furthermore relates to a method of achieving release in vivo of an active and stabilized GLP-1 parent drug of the general formula II: (HOHis)-(GLP-1 peptide), by administering a GLP-1 prodrug; as well as to such GLP-1 prodrug, and such GLP-1 parent drug, respectively, for use as a medicament, in particular for use in the treatment and/or prevention of all forms of diabetes and related diseases. The prodrug may be used to alter the PK and/or absorption profile of the drug, for example to a desirable bell-shaped curve. The parent drug has a good biological activity, and is stabilized against degradation by DPP-IV.