Polymer-drug conjugates: origins, progress to date and future directions

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2013 Jan;65(1):49-59. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.10.014. Epub 2012 Nov 2.

Abstract

This overview focuses on bioconjugates of water-soluble polymers with low molecular weight drugs and proteins. After a short discussion of the origins of the field, the state-of-the-art is reviewed. Then research directions needed for the acceleration of the translation of nanomedicines into the clinic are outlined. Two most important directions, synthesis of backbone degradable polymer carriers and drug-free macromolecular therapeutics, a new paradigm in drug delivery, are discussed in detail. Finally, the future perspectives of the field are briefly discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Carriers / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Weight
  • Nanomedicine / methods
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemistry*
  • Polymers / administration & dosage*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Polymers
  • Water