Developing macromolecular therapeutics: the future drug-of-choice

Abstract

Macromolecular drugs including peptides, proteins, antibodies, polysaccharides and nucleic acids have been widely used for therapy of major diseases such as carcinoma and AIDS as well as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders among other medical conditions. Due to their unmatched properties of high selectivity and efficiency, macromolecular drugs have been recognized as the drug-of-choice of the future. Since worldwide progress on macromolecular therapeutics still remains in the infant stage and is therefore wide open for equal-ground competition, R&D related to macromolecular drugs should be considered as the main point of focus in China in setting up its strategic plans in pharmaceutical development. In this article, research strategies and drug delivery approaches that should be adopted to enhance the therapeutic effects of macromolecular drugs are reviewed. In addition, comments concerning how to implement such strategies to excel from competition in this challenging research field, such as the design of innovative and highly effective delivery systems of macromolecular drugs with self-owned intellectual property rights, are provided.