Promotion of optimized protein therapy by bioconjugation as a polymeric DDS.

Abstract

In recent years, clinical applications of recombinantly produced bioactive proteins such as cytokines have attracted attention. However, since these recombinant proteins are rather unstable in vivo, their clinical use as therapeutic agents requires frequent administration at a high dosage. This regimen disrupts homeostasis and results in severe side effects. To overcome these problems, bioactive proteins have been conjugated with water-soluble synthetic (WSS) polymeric carriers. Chemical modification of a protein with a WSS polymeric carrier (bioconjugation) regulates tissue distribution, resulting in a selective increase in its desirable therapeutic effects and a decrease in undesirable side effects. Among several drug delivery system (DDS) technologies, bioconjugation has been recognized as one of the most efficient methods for improving therapeutic potency of proteins. However, for further enhancement of the therapeutic potency and safety of conjugated bioactive proteins, more precise regulation of the in vivo behavior of each protein is necessary for selective expression of its therapeutic effect. Therefore, alternative WSS polymeric modifiers in which new functions such as targeting and controlled release of drugs can be added are required for further development of bioconjugated drugs. Recently, we have synthesized a novel polymeric drug carrier, poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-dimethyl maleic anhydride) [PVD], which was a powerful candidate drug carrier for cancer therapy. In this review, we introduce useful information that enabled us to design polymeric drug carriers and their application for protein therapy.

• Authors: Yasuhiro Abe, Hiroko Shibata, Haruhiko Kamada, Shin-Ichi Tsunoda, Yasuo Tsutsumi, Shinsaku Nakagawa
• Journal: Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry (Anticancer Agents Med Chem) Vol. 6 Issue 3 Pg. 251-8 (May 2006) ISSN: 1871-5206 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 16712453 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Drug Carriers
• Polymers
• Proteins
• Polyethylene Glycols
• Povidone

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (administration & dosage, chemical synthesis)
• Drug Carriers (chemical synthesis)
• Drug Delivery Systems (methods)
• Drug Design
• Humans
• Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Polyethylene Glycols (administration & dosage)
• Polymers (chemical synthesis)
• Povidone (administration & dosage)
• Proteins (administration & dosage)