Volker Schellenberger
Amunix Operating Inc., USA
Title: XTEN – A biodegradable alternative to PEG enabling biopharmaceuticals with precisely controlled structure
Biography
Biography: Volker Schellenberger
Abstract
PEGylation is commonly used to generate long-acting biologics (Biobetters). However, there are increasing concerns about the safety of PEG resulting from its resistance to being metabolized resulting in the accumulation in various organs including the kidney and brain. PEG is further limited by its polydispersity as well as an increasing risk of pre-exposure caused by the use of PEG in many cosmetics. Amunix has developed XTEN, a protein-based polymer that mimics the biophysical properties of PEG. XTEN is easily metabolized, thereby eliminating the risk of tissue accumulation. Proteins and peptides can be genetically fused to XTEN in a precisely controlled locations to increase biological half-life. XTEN polymers can also be produced by large scale microbial fermentation enabling chemical conjugation similar to PEGylation. XTEN has been successfully applied to a wide range of biotherapeutics and the most advanced product, human growth hormone-XTEN, VRS-317, is currently in late stage clinical testing.