A recent study conducted by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research reveals that antibodies against polyethylene glycol (PEG) are present in 83 percent of the German population. PEG is commonly used in cosmetics, food, and medicine, and its presence can impact the effectiveness of drugs. The researchers focused on how these antibodies might impact nanocarrier-based medical therapies. These nanocarriers coated with PEG aim to increase the circulation time of drug capsules and could be crucial in future cancer treatments. The study suggests that future therapies may need to be adjusted to address the immune system’s response to PEG antibodies. The increasing use of PEG in recent years and the immune system’s variations with age may contribute to the presence of these antibodies. The researchers are now exploring alternatives to PEG or considering individual adjustments to the dosage of the active ingredient. The study’s findings were published in the journal “Nanoscale Horizons.”
https://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de/en/press/pr-2022-22