Macromolecular drugs protein-based

The ability of a tumor cell to manufacture proteins is a result of intact DNA, RNA and biochemical intracellular mechanisms. Interference with any one of these structures or processes will result in the inability of the cell to produce required proteins. Hence, quantitation of tumor cell protein synthesis over a period of time may constitute a marker allowing determination of the efficacy of a macromolecular drug conjugate. The technique is based on the fact that decreased cell viability in the presence of radiolabeled amino adds correlates to a decrease in radioactivity relative to a control cell population. For example, 3H-leucine [175, 208], a mixture of [14C]-labeled amino acids [205], and 75Se-lenomethionine [54, 209] have been used to evaluate the activity of conjugates. 

The copolymer-based systems possessing the core-shell structure in solutions are known and studied rather well (see, e.g., [14-16]). These copolymers in aqueous media tend to form polymeric micelles, which are often considered as promising drug delivery nano-vehicles [ 17,18], i.e., these macromolecular systems are not only of scientific, but also of considerable applied significance. Among such systems there are interesting examples, whose properties are very similar to the properties that should be inherent in the protein-like copolymers. All of these macromolecules possess the primary structure of... 

As for gene delivery, a major obstacle for successful treatment using macromolecular-based therapeutics is endo-lysosomal sequestration of the drugs. Originally, PCI was developed as a dmg delivery system where protein toxins were used as model macromolecular dmgs. 

Nasal administration. Apart from parenteral administration, controlled release dosage forms based upon the microsphere concept should have application to other routes of administration. Microspheres in the form of pellets have been used to deliver drugs to the gastrointestinal tract and other examples include the administration of microspheres to the eye and topically to the lungs. In recent studies Ilium (20) has employed microspheres as possible controlled release formulations for nasal application. Such studies have relevance to the delivery of novel macromolecular compounds such as peptides and proteins. 

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