Controlled systemic release of therapeutic peptides from PEGylated prodrugs by serum proteases.

ABSTRACT

A novel concept to release peptidic drugs systemically by serum proteases from a PEGylated precursor makes it possible to tune release kinetics to fit the medical needs. Drug release depends on the size of the PEG polymer and the sequence and length of the peptide linker. The antimicrobial activities of the prodrugs were even better than those of the free peptides, whereas direct PEGylation abolished the peptide activity.