PEG-Modified Leaving Groups for Peptide Conjugation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protein and peptide conjugation methods often result in low yields and inefficient conjugation processes, particularly when using payloads without polyethylene glycol (PEG), and existing leaving groups in conjugating reagents do not provide optimal reaction conditions.

Innovation Solution

The use of conjugating reagents with leaving groups containing a defined number of repeating ethylene glycol units, specifically -(CH2CH2O)n, where n is six or more, which react with nucleophiles in proteins or peptides, enabling improved conjugation reactions and increased efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional conjugation reagents with traditional leaving groups are used, then the conjugation process can proceed, but the reaction yields are low and reaction times are long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconjugation reaction yieldVSAvoidreaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the leaving group structure in conjugation reagents. Specifically, it uses leaving groups containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains with defined lengths (n=6 or more repeating units), which changes the physical and chemical parameters of the leaving group to achieve faster reaction kinetics and higher yields compared to conventional leaving groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs composite materials by combining PEG chains with traditional leaving group structures (such as sulfonates, carboxylates, or phosphates). This creates a hybrid leaving group that integrates the solubility and conformational flexibility benefits of PEG with the reactive departure capabilities of traditional leaving groups, resulting in improved conjugation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If conventional leaving groups are used in conjugating reagents, then the reagents can function, but the conjugation efficiency is suboptimal particularly for non-PEG payloads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconjugation efficiencyVSAvoidconjugation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing PEG-containing leaving groups that can effectively conjugate both PEG and non-PEG payloads. The PEG portion of the leaving group provides universal compatibility with various payload types, eliminating the need for payload-specific reagent optimization and simplifying the overall conjugation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The PEG chain in the leaving group acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the nucleophilic protein/peptide and the payload. It provides a flexible linkage that facilitates the conjugation reaction while maintaining solubility and reducing steric hindrance, thereby improving efficiency without adding significant process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the conjugation process by achieving higher yields and faster reaction times, particularly for payloads without PEG, leading to more efficient and effective protein-peptide conjugates.

Implementation Method 1

conjugating reagents with leaving groups containing a defined number of repeating ethylene glycol units, specifically -(CH2CH2O)n, where n is six or more, which react with nucleophiles in proteins or peptides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleophilic substitution: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3218009B1Process for the conjugation of a peptide or protein with a reagent comprising a leaving group including a portion of peg
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 POLYTHERICS LTD
  • EP3218009B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3218009B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3218009B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to novel conjugating reagents capable of reaction with at least one nucleophile present in a peptide or protein, which contain at least one leaving group which is lost on reaction with said nucleophile, in which the leaving group includes a portion -(CH2CH2O)n- in which n is a number of six or more; and novel processes for the preparation of conjugates containing peptides or proteins made using such reagents.