title: PEGylation, successful approach to drug delivery.
abstract: PEGylation defines the modification of a protein, peptide or non-peptide molecule by the linking of one or more polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. This polymer is non-toxic, non-immunogenic, non-antigenic, highly soluble in water and FDA approved. The PEG-drug conjugates have several advantages: a prolonged residence in body, a decreased degradation by metabolic enzymes and a reduction or elimination of protein immunogenicity. Thanks to these favorable properties, PEGylation now plays an important role in drug delivery, enhancing the potentials of peptides and proteins as therapeutic agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Padua University, Italy. francesco.veronese@unipd.it
authors.forename: Francesco M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Veronese
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pasut
mesh_terms: D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D010455:Peptides; D011506:Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols