PEG - a versatile conjugating ligand for drugs and drug delivery systems

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation is a rapidly evolving strategy to solve hurdles in therapeutic delivery and is being used as an add-on tool to the traditional drug delivery methods. Chemically, PEGylation is a term used to denote modification of therapeutic molecules by conjugation with PEG. Efforts are constantly being made to develop novel strategies for conjugation of PEG with these molecules in order to increase its current applications. These strategies are specific to the therapeutic system used and also depend on the availability of activated PEGylating agents. Therefore, a prior knowledge is essential in selecting appropriate method for PEGylation. Once achieved, a successful PEGylation can amend the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic outcomes of therapeutics. Specifically, the primary interest is in their ability to decrease uptake by reticuloendothelial system, prolong blood residence, decrease degradation by metabolic enzymes and reduce protein immunogenicity. The extensive research in this field has resulted into many clinical studies. The knowledge of outcome of these studies gave a good feedback and lessons which helped researchers to redesign PEG conjugates with improved features which can increase the chance of hitting the market. In light of this, the current paper highlights the approaches, novel strategies and the utilization of modern concept for PEG conjugation with respect to various bioactive components of clinical relevance. Moreover, this review also discusses potential clinical outcomes of the PEG conjugation, regulatory approved PEGylated product, clinical trials for newer formulations, and also provides future prospects of this technology.