Albumin-based drug delivery using cysteine 34 chemical conjugates - important considerations and requirements

Ther Deliv. 2017 Jul;8(7):511-519. doi: 10.4155/tde-2017-0038. Epub 2017 May 30.

Abstract

The long blood circulation time of albumin has been clinically utilized as a half-life extension technology for improved drug performance. The availability of one free thiol for site-selective chemical conjugation offers an alternative approach to current genetic fusion and association-based products. This special report highlights important factors for successful conjugation that allows the reader to design and evaluate next-generation albumin conjugates. Albumin type, available conjugation chemistries, linker length, animal models and influence of conjugation on albumin pharmacokinetics and drug activity are discussed.

Keywords: albumin; conjugation; cysteine 34; half-life extension; in vivo models; neonatal Fc receptor.

MeSH terms

  • Albumins / administration & dosage*
  • Albumins / pharmacokinetics
  • Animals
  • Cysteine / chemistry*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Cysteine