Deflazacort-D5 is the deuterium labeled Deflazacort. Deflazacort, a glucocorticoid, is an inactive prodrug and is converted rapidly to the active metabolite 21-desacetyldeflazacort. Deflazacort is used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant[1].
Stable heavy isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, and other elements have been incorporated into drug molecules, largely as tracers for quantitation during the drug development process. Deuteration has gained attention because of its potential to affect the pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiles of drugs[1].
[1]. Russak EM, et al. Impact of Deuterium Substitution on the Pharmacokinetics of Pharmaceuticals. Ann Pharmacother. 2019;53(2):211-216. [2]. Mollmann, H., et al., Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of deflazacort in comparison to methylprednisolone and prednisolone. Pharmaceutical research, 1995. 12(7): p. 1096-1100.