Biohybrid Solutions is pioneering a new approach to bioconjugate production using polymer-based protein engineering. This innovation allows more control, expands the available polymer library, and minimizes the issues inherent with attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) to proteins. Polymer-based protein engineering achieves the same outcomes as the more common molecular biology-dependent approach of classic protein engineering.

As Biohybrid Solutions co-founder and CEO Alan Russell, Ph.D., says, “Polymer-based protein engineering provides another option to scientists seeking to overcome the challenges of current PEGylation technology.”

PEGylation, which decorates the surface of protein with PEG, typically reduces a protein’s immunogenicity, extends a protein’s time in the body, and can improve its solubility. PEGylation, however, is not an easily controlled reaction. “You essentially place PEG and proteins together and hope for the best,” Dr. Russell explains. “There are few levers available to control and fine-tune the reaction.” Although PEGylation is notoriously difficult to commercialize, there are 10 FDA-approved protein-PEG conjugates currently marketed in the United States…

Read the full article from GEN published on October 1, 2016

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