Etoposide phosphate, the water soluble prodrug of etoposide

Etoposide (Vepesid) is a widely used drug in a variety of neoplasms. To improve the pharmaceutical characteristics of etoposide, etoposide phosphate (Etopophos, Bristol-Myers Squibb) has been developed as a prodrug. Etoposide phosphate is the phosphate ester derivative of etoposide. In comparison to the parent compound, etoposide phosphate is highly soluble in water and can be readily formulated for intravenous use, resulting in higher clinical application. This paper presents information on the pharmaceutical properties and the current status of etoposide phosphate in clinical trials.