The synthesis and in vitro and in vivo stability of 5-fluorouracil prodrugs which possess serum albumin binding potency.

For a new drug delivery system of 5-fluorouracil, we prepared prodrugs possessing certain desired properties. The prodrugs, 1-(N-4-chlorophenyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-fluorouracil and 1-(N-2,4-dichlorophenyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-fluorouracil, contain high serum albumin binding potency and a comparably long half life in the bloodstream in vivo to Tegafur. These two prodrugs are expected to be retained in the bloodstream as a polymeric complex with albumin and to circulate in the body for a long time, like a polymeric prodrug.