Synthesis and Characterization of a Dual Prodrug Candidate Containing Dapsone and Ibuprofen for the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected disease of major epidemiological importance in Brazil, characterized by skin lesions that are difficult to heal. Current treatments, such as pentavalent antimonials, present high toxicity, prolonged use, and limited efficacy1. In this context, this study proposes the development of a dual prodrug formed by linking ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, and dapsone, an antimicrobial agent with proven leishmanicidal activity. The amide bond between these two known drugs is expected to provide therapeutic synergism and controlled release of the active compounds. For prodrug synthesis, protocols
using EDC2 and oxalyl chloride3 were tested, yielding <5% and 44%, respectively. The prodrug candidate was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H and ¹³C NMR). The compound was successfully obtained and will be further evaluated for biological activity and enzymatic cleavage.