PEGylation Based Half-Life Extension
First-generation PEGylation refers to the initial wave of drug modification techniques using polyethylene glycol (PEG) to enhance the therapeutic properties of pharmaceutical compounds. This pioneering approach involved attaching PEG chains to biologically active molecules, such as proteins or peptides, to improve their solubility, stability, and half-life. The introduction of first-generation PEGylation marked a significant advancement in drug delivery, as it reduced the immunogenicity and proteolytic degradation of therapeutic agents, allowing for less frequent dosing and improved patient compliance. These early innovations paved the way for more sophisticated PEGylation technologies, continuing to play a vital role in the development of more effective and long-lasting treatments.