Drug Delivery by an Enzyme-Mediated Cyclization of a Lipid Prodrug with Unique Bilayer-Formation Properties

Special delivery: Liposomal drug-delivery systems in which prodrugs are activated specifically by disease-associated enzymes have great potential for the treatment of severe diseases, such as cancer. A new type of phospholipid-based prodrug has the ability to form stable small unilamellar vesicles (see picture). Activation of the prodrug vesicles by the enzyme sPLA₂ initiates a cyclization reaction, which leads to the release of the drug.