Abstract
Purpose. Peptide drug delivery to the brain requires optimization of (a) plasma pharmacokinetics and (b) blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. In the present studies, plasma pharmacokinetics are improved with protein pegylation and BBB transport is facilitated with the use of vector-mediated drug delivery using the OX26 monoclonal antibody (MAb) to the rat transferrin receptor, which undergoes receptor-mediated transcytosis through the BBB in vivo.
Methods. A conjugate of OX26 and streptavidin (SA), designated OX26/SA, was prepared in parallel with the carboxyl-directed pegylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A novel bifunctional polyethyleneglycol (PEG) was used in which a hydrazide (Hz) was attached at one end and a biotin moiety was attached to the other end. This allowed for conjugation of BDNF-PEG-biotin to OX26/SA.
Results. The brain uptake of BDNF-PEG-biotin was increased following conjugation to OX26/SA to a level of 0.144 ± 0.004% injected dose per g brain and a BBB permeability-surface area product of 2.0 ± 0.2 μL/min/g.
Conclusions. These studies demonstrate that peptide drug delivery to the brain can be achieved with advanced formulation of protein-based therapeutics. The formulation is intended to (a) minimize rapid systemic clearance of the peptide, and (b) allow for vector-mediated drug delivery through the BBB in vivo. Following this dual formulation, the brain uptake of a neurotrophin such as BDNF achieves a value that is approximately 2-fold greater than that of morphine, a neuroactive small molecule.
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Pardridge, W.M., Wu, D. & Sakane, T. Combined Use of Carboxyl-Directed Protein Pegylation and Vector-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Drug Delivery System Optimizes Brain Uptake of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Following Intravenous Administration. Pharm Res 15, 576–582 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011981927620
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011981927620