HO-PEG-acid contains a carboxylic acid functional group (-COOH) at one end of a PEG chain.
Carboxylic acid functional groups are known for their ability to form ester bonds with hydroxyl groups, making HO-PEG-acid a useful tool in drug delivery systems. By covalently attaching the PEG chain to a drug molecule through an ester bond, the resulting conjugate can exhibit improved solubility, stability, and pharmacokinetic properties, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects.
HO-PEG-acid can also be employed as a linker molecule in the synthesis of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). ADCs are a promising class of anticancer therapeutics that combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxicity of small molecule drugs. The carboxylic acid group of HO-PEG-acid can be used to attach the PEG chain to the antibody, while the other end can be conjugated to the cytotoxic drug molecule via a linker molecule.