PEG-IL-10 Conjugate Serum Half-Life Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

The short serum half-life of interleukin-10 (IL-10) limits its utility in cancer treatment, as it requires frequent administration and has a limited duration of action, which can impact its effectiveness in modulating immune responses against tumors.

Innovation Solution

Development of pegylated IL-10 (PEG-IL-10) with a longer serum half-life, using linkers like SC-PEG-12K or methoxy-PEG-aldehyde, which increases tumor killing activity by enhancing CD8+ T cell infiltration and expression of inflammatory cytokines, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If non-pegylated IL-10 is used for cancer treatment, then immune response modulation is achieved, but serum half-life is short (2-6 hours) requiring frequent administration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveserum half-lifeVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies PEGylation technology by covalently attaching polyethylene glycol chains to the IL-10 cytokine molecule, creating a composite PEG-IL-10 conjugate. This chemical modification extends the serum half-life of IL-10 from 2-6 hours to over 24 hours while maintaining its immunomodulatory activity, thereby resolving the contradiction between duration of action and treatment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of IL-10 through PEGylation, specifically changing its molecular weight, hydrodynamic radius, and serum protein binding characteristics. These parameter changes result in extended circulation half-life and reduced clearance rate, enabling less frequent administration while maintaining therapeutic efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If non-pegylated IL-10 is administered frequently to maintain effectiveness, then immune response is sustained, but treatment complexity and patient burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmune response sustainabilityVSAvoidadministration frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By creating the PEG-IL-10 composite conjugate, the patent achieves sustained immune response modulation with single or infrequent administrations. The PEG moiety acts as a pharmacokinetic enhancer that maintains stable drug levels in circulation, eliminating the need for frequent dosing while ensuring reliable immune response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The PEGylation modification enables continuous therapeutic action of IL-10 by preventing rapid renal clearance and proteolytic degradation. The extended half-life ensures continuous presence of active cytokine at the tumor site, maintaining reliable immune response without requiring repeated administrations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If PEG-IL-10 is used to extend half-life, then serum persistence is improved, but tumor killing activity is enhanced beyond expected levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveserum half-lifeVSAvoidtumor survival
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The PEG-IL-10 conjugate not only extends half-life but also enhances tumor killing activity through multiple mechanisms: increased CD8+ T cell infiltration into tumor tissue, upregulation of inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, IL-6, IL-12), and activation of macrophages. This synergistic effect transforms the composite material into a more potent anti-tumor agent than simple half-life extension would predict

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The PEG linker acts as an intermediary that not only provides pharmacokinetic benefits but also facilitates enhanced interaction between IL-10 and immune cells. The modified cytokine structure improves binding affinity to IL-10 receptors on immune cells, amplifying the immunostimulatory effect and enhancing tumor cell lysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10568968B2Methods for treatment of cancer with therapeutic combinations comprising PEG-IL-10
Publication Date: 2020.02.25 MERCK SHARP & DOHME CORP

AI summary

Provided are methods of treatment for tumors. In particular, methods are provided for use of a chemically modified IL-10 to treat tumors.