Pegylacja - metoda zmiany właściwości leków polipeptydowych, substancji biologicznie aktywnych

This review attempts to briefly summarize the recent developments in the area of PEGylation. Pegylation, the process by which polyethylene glycol chains are attached to as well protein and peptide drugs as low molecular weight molecules is used to modify the properties of drugs, biologically active structures. It has influence on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, stability and immunogenicity of structures. The advantages and drawbacks of such modifications were discussed. Pegylation of polypeptide and protein structures as well as small molecules was presented. Pegylation process was divided in two groups: pegylation of the first and second generation. Both processes were presented. Examples of pegylated drugs (Adagen, Oncaspar - first generation; PEG-intron, Pegasys, Somavert, Neulasta - second generation) already introduced into the market were shortly presented, structures being under investigation were mentioned.