The homodimer approach to the design of a new long-acting depot prodrug of abiraterone

The synthesis of homodimeric bis-esters of abiraterone (an inhibitor of androgens synthesis used for treatment of prostate cancer) as a novel depot form of the drug intended for parenteral administration has been undertaken. The conjugate with succinic linker has been synthesized, while only mono-esters of malic and citric acid were obtained. The target ‘twin’ demonstrated excellent characteristics in preliminary biotests, proving the concept of long-lasting depot-prodrug.