Peptide Drug Conjugates (PDCs) are an advanced class of targeted therapeutic agents composed of a biologically active peptide linked chemically to a potent cytotoxic drug payload. The peptide component serves as a highly selective targeting ligand, designed to bind specifically to receptors that are overexpressed on the surface of diseased cells, such as those found in tumors or hyperactive endocrine glands. This mechanism enhances therapeutic efficacy while markedly reducing systemic toxicity to healthy tissues.
Origin
This concept is an evolution of the highly successful antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology, adapting the principle of targeted delivery using smaller, more easily synthesized, and less immunogenic peptide molecules. PDCs represent a significant frontier in precision medicine, offering a method for highly localized drug delivery.
Mechanism
The peptide is engineered to recognize and bind to a specific cell surface receptor, often a G-protein coupled receptor or a hormone receptor, which triggers the internalization of the entire conjugate via endocytosis. Once inside the target cell, a cleavable linker is broken down by specific intracellular enzymes, releasing the active drug payload at a high concentration directly at the site of action, thereby maximizing its therapeutic effect with minimal off-target exposure.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.