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Polymer Drug Conjugate: A Revolution in Drug Delivery
Chandan Kumar Singh1, Pran Kishore Deb2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India.
AAPS Pharmscitech
|April 2, 2026
Summary
Polymer-drug conjugates (PDCs) enhance drug delivery by improving efficacy and safety. This review covers their design, synthesis, applications, and future directions in medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Polymer-drug conjugates (PDCs) utilize polymer properties to improve therapeutic agent delivery.
- Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers are key for seamless biological integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of Polymer-drug conjugates (PDCs).
- To explore the evolution, design, synthesis, and applications of PDCs in medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PDCs.
- Analysis of polymer selection criteria (PEG, PLGA, chitosan).
- Examination of conjugation methods, drug-release mechanisms, and advantages/challenges.
Main Results:
- PDCs offer improved pharmacokinetics, targeted delivery, and reduced toxicity.
- Key polymers include PEG, PLGA, and chitosan, with various conjugation strategies.
- Stimuli-responsive systems and nano PDCs represent recent innovations.
Conclusions:
- PDCs show significant promise in diverse therapeutic areas beyond cancer.
- Challenges include stability, scalability, and immunogenicity, with ongoing research for solutions.
- Future directions involve AI integration, hybrid systems, and sustainable synthesis.
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