Int J Stomatol

Int J Stomatol ›› 2026, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (2): 239-246.doi: 10.7518/gjkq.2026006

• Reviews • Previous Articles    

Research progress on simvastatin prodrugs for periodontitis treatment

Yijing Guo(),Siyu Du,Yabing Chen,Lei Wang()   

  1. Dept. of Periodontology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
  • Received:2024-12-11 Revised:2025-01-16 Online:2026-03-01 Published:2026-02-13
  • Contact: Lei Wang E-mail:yjguo24@mails.jlu.edu.cn;wang_lei99@jlu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Science and Technology Subject of Finance Department of Jilin Province(jcsz2023481-19);Science and Technology Research Project of Education Department of Jilin Province(JJKH20231235KJ);Project of Science and Technology Development of Jilin Province(YDZJ202301ZYTS013)

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Abstract:

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by plaque microbial infection. Initial therapy can remove dental plaque and calculus in periodontal pocket, and antibiotics can be used as adjuvant therapy to remove deep microorganisms. Simvastatin is a commonly used hypolipidemic drug with the effects of anti-inflammation, antibacterial, and bone formation promotion, providing a new possibility for periodontitis treatment. However, simvastatin has low water solubility, fast metabolism, and poor bone affinity, making it difficult to achieve effective concentration in periodontal tissue. Prodrug delivery has emerged as an effective strategy to improve its physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Simvastatin-based prodrugs have demonstrated remarkably enhanced therapeutic efficacy against periodontitis. This study reviews the literature related to simvastatin prodrug local drug delivery system at home and abroad. We analyzed the reasons for the low bioavailability of simvastatin and expound its possible mechanism in periodontitis treatment, focusing on innovative strategies in prodrug design to enhance periodontal tissue targeting and improve drug release behavior. This work aimed to provide a reference for the construction and application of simvastatin prodrug delivery systems.

Key words: simvastatin, periodontitis, prodrug, biological availability, osteogenesis, inflammation, drug delivery systems

CLC Number: 

  • R781.4

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