POEGMA-based alternative to PEG to improve biotherapeutic delivery
Official title: Scale-up and Toxicity Studies of POEGMA-Uricase
Funded at Gateway Bio, INC. · NIH-11384431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Phase II SBIR project is testing a PEG-free alternative, POEGMA, to help biotherapeutics stay in the body longer and reduce immune reactions in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Gateway Bio, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $735,254 |
| NIH project number | 5R44TR003255-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals who need therapeutic proteins currently delivered with PEGylation and who may benefit from reduced anti-PEG antibodies and longer drug circulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions not treated by PEGylated biologics or those who are not candidates for polymer-conjugated therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to refine and scale a new polymer, POEGMA, as a substitute for PEG in drug conjugates like uricase, with the goal of extending circulation time and improving safety. The work involves conjugating POEGMA to therapeutic proteins and evaluating stability, pharmacokinetics, and potential allergic responses. Results from prior work showed POEGMA can achieve long circulation without triggering anti-PEG antibodies, and this Phase II will build on that, moving toward clinical relevance. The research team will address safety, manufacturing consistency, and overall tolerability to support future human use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience more effective biotherapies with fewer immune reactions and less frequent dosing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous early-stage work showed POEGMA can be synthesized and conjugated to a drug, with promising stability and reduced immunogenicity, but larger studies are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Gateway Bio, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hucknall, Angus — Gateway Bio, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hucknall, Angus
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
POEGMA-coated uricase as a PEG-free option for hard-to-treat gout
This project is developing a PEG-free version of the enzyme uricase to help people with severe gout who don't respond to other treatments.
-
Developing a new treatment to improve the effectiveness of gout medication
This study is testing a new type of polymer that could make gout treatments work better and be safer for people who have had allergic reactions to current options, by using a special compound to help a medicine stay effective in the body.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.