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The successful conjugation of active theophylline molecules to two new multifunctional high-molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives (MultiPEG) and their pharmacokinetic evaluations are reported. The drug loading was increased up to six times in comparison with commercial PEG of the same molecular weight. A clear increase of the time of persistence within the body and a concomitant improvement of the overall pharmacokinetic properties of those prodrugs were also observed. These studies sustain the use of these new PEG-based polymeric supports as a valuable alternative for an effective drug delivery system.

One of the most used and useful polymers, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used as a carrier for warfarin. The drug-polymer conjugate was freely water soluble at room temperature. The hydrolytic stability of the PEG-warfarin was investigated at physiological pH and confirmed the stability of the conjugate. In vivo release studies demonstrated a good release of parent drug, without the initial high plasma level of warfarin.

In the present paper two theophylline esters with poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) and methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) (mPEG) were prepared. Quantitative yields of the pure products were obtained. Unlike the free drug, the drug-polymer conjugates are freely water-soluble at room temperature. In vitro release experiments in aqueous buffer demonstrate that both conjugates are stable in buffer of pH 7.4 and 1.2. In vivo release studies after oral administration of theophylline conjugates demonstrate a good release of parent drug.

Two known antiherpetic agents, acyclovir and valaciclovir, were coupled with activated poly(ethylene glycol). In vitro drug release studies demonstrated the conjugates to be stable in buffer solutions at pH 7.4 and 5.5, while only PEG-valacyclovir2 was stable in a buffer solution at pH 1.2. The ability of the macromolecular conjugate to release the free drug was also evaluated in plasma, in which the most stable prodrug also proved to be PEG-valacyclovir2. The derivatives are degraded in the presence of proteolytic enzyme. The rate of hydrolysis was monitored by HPLC-analysis.