Production and clinical development of a Hansenula polymorpha-derived PEGylated hirudin.
Research article published in Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis (2001)
Abstract
This article describes the expression of the hirudin gene heterologously in the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha, the establishment of an industrial-scale production process and the subsequent clinical development of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-hirudin. PEGylation increases the molecular weight of hirudin, thereby reducing its kidney filtration rate and immunogenicity and increasing its half-life in the circulation.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Production and clinical development of a Hansenula polymorpha-derived PEGylated hirudin.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This review describes the heterologous expression of the hirudin gene in the methylotrophic yeast *Hansenula polymorpha*, the establishment of industrial-scale production processes, and the subsequent clinical development of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified hirudin. PEGylation increases the molecular weight of hirudin, thereby reducing its kidney filtration rate and immunogenicity while increasing its circulatory half-life. This work is relevant to ASH's domain as it addresses the biotechnological production and pharmaceutical optimization of a key leech-derived anticoagulant for clinical use. However, this is a review article summarizing production and development processes rather than presenting original clinical data, and it concerns pharmaceutical manufacturing rather than live leech therapy.
Citation
Production and clinical development of a Hansenula polymorpha-derived PEGylated hirudin.
Avgerinos et al. · Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis, 2001
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