Use of polyglycerol (PG), instead of polyethylene glycol (PEG), prevents induction of the accelerated blood clearance phenomenon against long-circulating liposomes upon repeated administration

The accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon accounts for the rapid systemic clearance of PEGylated nanocarriers upon repeated administrations. IgM production against the polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating in PEGylated liposomes is now known to be responsible for such unexpected pharmacokinetical alterations. The ABC phenomenon poses a remarkable clinical challenge by reducing the therapeutic efficacy of encapsulated drugs and causing harmful effects due to the altered tissue distribution pattern of the drugs. In this study, we investigated the in vivo performance of liposomes modified with polyglycerol (PG) upon repeated injection, and the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of such liposomes when they encapsulated a cytotoxic agent, doxorubicin (DXR). Repeated injection of PEG-coated liposomes in rats induced the ABC phenomenon, while repeated injection of PG-coated liposomes did not. In addition, DXR-containing PG-coated liposomes showed antitumor activity that was superior to that of free DXR and similar to that of DXR-containing PEG-coated liposomes upon repeated administration. These results indicate that polyglycerol (PG) might represent a promising alternative to PEG via enhancing the in vivo performance of liposomes by not eliciting the ABC phenomenon upon repeated administration.     

The Co-Delivery of Oxaliplatin Abrogates the Immunogenic Response to PEGylated siRNA-Lipoplex

Purpose

In vivo application of siRNA/PEGylated cationic liposome complex (lipoplex) is impeded by two main obstacles: cytokine responses and anti-PEG IgM responses to PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex. Here, we investigated whether co-administration of oxaliplatin (l-OHP) abrogates the cytokine release and anti-PEG IgM production by PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex.

Methods

Free l-OHP was administered either simultaneously or 30 min prior to PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex administration, and cytokine response and anti-PEG IgM production were evaluated. In addition, the effect of the liposomal encapsulation of l-OHP on the immunogenic response of PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex was investigated.

Results

Simultaneous co-administration of free l-OHP with PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex caused a significant reduction in anti-PEG IgM production, along with an increase in the cytokine response. Free l-OHP injected prior to the lipoplex injection, however, successfully reduced cytokine release and anti-PEG IgM response. Platination of siRNA by simultaneously administered free l-OHP might facilitate the dissociation of double-stranded siRNA to single-stranded siRNA, resulting in the inducement of a potent immuno-stimulation of siRNA via endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs). On the other hand, encapsulation of l-OHP into the siRNA-lipoplex resulted in a reduction of both anti-PEG IgM production and cytokine responses.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, besides the expected therapeutic efficacy of co-administration, encapsulation of l-OHP into the PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex has great potential for minimizing the immunostimulation of PEGylated siRNA-lipoplex, resulting in a safe, applicable, and compliant treatment regimen for sequential clinical administration.     

Differences in colloidal structure of PEGylated nanomaterials dictate the likelihood of accelerated blood clearance

PEGylated liposomes are known to exhibit accelerated clearance from systemic circulation on repeat administration (the so-called "accelerated blood clearance" or ABC effect); however, little is known about this effect for other PEGylated colloidal drug delivery systems. Furthermore, our understanding of the mechanisms by which the ABC effect is induced is limited. This article further addresses these issues by examining the impact of colloid types [polyethylene glycol (PEG)-liposomes, PEG-micelles] of varying sizes on the appearance of the ABC effect when readministered 7 days after a "priming" dose. Intravenous injection of PEG-liposomes and putative PEG-micelles induced the production of anti-PEG immunoglobulin (Ig) M, although decreasing the average particle size led to reduced IgM titres. The ABC effect was observed for PEGylated phospholipid/cholesterol-based liposomes 7 days after an initial "priming" dose of liposome; however, addition of increasing levels of PEGylated lipid to form micelles reduced the propensity of observation of the ABC effect, correlating with the reduced IgM production. The results suggest that although PEG-micelles may stimulate limited production of anti-PEG IgM, which leads to accelerated clearance of subsequently administered PEG-liposomes, PEGylated micelles themselves are not substrates for IgM binding and do not exhibit a similar ABC.     

Time Interval of Two Injections and First-Dose Dependent of Accelerated Blood Clearance Phenomenon Induced by PEGylated Liposomal Gambogenic Acid: The Contribution of PEG-Specific IgM

Repeated injection of PEGylated liposomes can cause the disappearance of long circulating property because of the induction of anti-PEG IgM antibody referred to as “accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon.” Although ABC phenomenon typically occurs when entrapped drugs are chemotherapeutic agent with low cytotoxic, there is little evidence of accelerated blood clearance of PEGylated herbal-derived compound on repeated injection. Herein, we investigated the blood concentration of PEGylated liposomal gambogenic acid (PEG-GEA-L), a model PEGylated liposomal herbal extract, on its repeated injection to rats. We found time interval between injections had considerable impact on the magnitude of ABC phenomenon induced by PEG-GEA-L. When time interval was prolonged from 3 days to 7 days, ABC phenomenon could be attenuated. Furthermore, its magnitude was enhanced accompanied by a marked rise in the accumulation of PEG-GEA-L in the liver and spleen in a first-dose–dependent manner. Consistently, the level of anti-PEG IgM significantly increased with the first dose of PEG-GEA-L and decreased with the extended time interval between injections, which implies anti-PEG IgM is a major contributor to the ABC phenomenon. Notably, the increased expression of liver anti-PEG IgM was accompanied by an increased expression of efflux transporters in the induction process of the ABC phenomenon.     

“加速血流清除”现象中的免疫机制分析

目的对"加速血流清除"(accelerated blood clearance,ABC)现象的产生机制和影响因素进行综述,并探讨可能的解决途径。方法参阅近年来国内外文献共42篇,从免疫学角度对聚乙二醇(polyethyleneglycol,PEG)化脂质体ABC现象的产生机制与影响因素进行归纳、总结和分析。结果首次注射的PEG化脂质体作为抗原诱发机体分泌特异性抗体,此抗体与二次注射的PEG化脂质体相结合并介导其从血液中加速清除。PEG包衣、PEG植入密度、载体粒径/大小、载体电荷、磷脂剂量、给药间隔及包封药物等因素均对脂质体的ABC现象产生影响。结论为解决PEG化脂质体ABC现象及PEG化制剂的开发提供了参考。     

Antibodies against polyethylene glycol in healthy subjects and in patients treated with PEG-conjugated agents

In contrast to the accepted general assumption that polyethylene glycol (PEG) is non-immunogenic and non-antigenic, animal studies clearly showed that uricase, ovalbumin and some other PEGylated agents can elicit antibody formation against PEG (anti-PEG). In humans, anti-PEG may limit therapeutic efficacy and/or reduce tolerance of PEG-asparaginase (PEG-ASNase) in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and of pegloticase in patients with chronic gout, but did not impair hyposensitization of allergic patients with mPEG-modified ragweed extract or honeybee venom or the response to PEG-IFN in patients with hepatitis C. Of major importance is the recent finding of a 22 – 25% occurrence of anti-PEG in healthy blood donors, compared with a very low 0.2% occurrence two decades earlier. This increase may be due to an improvement of the limit of detection of antibodies during the years and to greater exposure to PEG and PEG-containing compounds in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and processed food products. These results raise obvious concerns regarding the efficacy of PEG-conjugated drugs for a subset of patients. To address these concerns, the immunogenicity and antigenicity of approved PEGylated compounds should be carefully examined in humans. With all these data in hand, patients should be pre-screened and monitored for anti-PEG prior to and throughout a course of treatment with a PEGylated compound. Finally, protein conjugates with the poorly immunogenic hydroxy-PEG sequence or other hydrophilic polymers are in early phases of development and may represent an alternative to immunogenic PEGylated proteins.     

A Cell Assay for Detecting Anti-PEG Immune Response against PEG-Modified Therapeutics

Purpose

Immunogenicity of PEGylated proteins and nanomedicines represents a potential impediment against their development and use in clinical settings. The purpose of this study is to develop a method for detecting anti-PEG immunity of PEGylated proteins and/or nanomedicines using flow cytometry.

Methods

The binding of fluorescence-labeled mPEG-modified liposomes to HIK-G11 cells, PEG-specific hybridoma cells, or spleen cells was evaluated by flow cytometry for detecting immunogenicity of PEGylated therapeutics.

Results

The fluorescence-labeled methoxy PEG (mPEG)-modified liposomes were efficiently bound to HIK-G11 cells. Such staining with fluorescence-labeled mPEG-modified liposomes was significantly inhibited in the presence of either non-labeled mPEG-modified liposomes or mPEG-modified ovalbumin (OVA) but not polyglycerol-modified liposomes. In addition, we found that mPEG-modified liposomes, highly immunogenic, caused proliferation of PEG-specific cells, while hydroxyl PEG-modified liposomes, less immunogenic, scarcely caused. Furthermore, after intravenous injection of mPEG-modified liposomes, the percentage of PEG-specific cells in the splenocytes, as determined by flow cytometry, corresponded well with the production level of anti-PEG antibodies, as determined by ELISA.

Conclusions

PEG-specific B cell assay we introduced may become a useful method to detect an anti-PEG immune response against PEGylated therapeutics and clarify the mechanism for anti-PEG immune responses.

     

聚乙二醇修饰脂质体的ABC现象研究进展

通常聚乙二醇(polyethylene glycol,PEG)修饰脂质体被认为几乎没有或仅有很低的免疫原性。最新的文献报道,重复注射PEG修饰脂质体发生了免疫反应。当向同一动物体内重复注射(间隔几天)PEG化脂质体时,二次注射的PEG化脂质体导致体内循环时间降低,于肝和脾的聚集量增加,这种现象称为加速血液清除(accelerated blood clearance,ABC)现象。该免疫反应使PEG化制剂的发展和临床应用面临严峻的挑战,可能造成药物或基因治疗效率的下降,甚至引起临床的毒副作用。本文综述了ABC现象的定义、验证ABC现象的方法和手段、ABC现象成因的研究进展及影响因素,并对其他PEG修饰载体是否也会发生ABC现象进行了探讨。     

Prolongation of the Circulation Time of Doxorubicin Encapsulated in Liposomes Containing a Polyethylene Glycol-Derivatized Phospholipid: Pharmacokinetic Studies in Rodents and Dogs

The pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin (DOX) encapsulated in liposomes containing polyethylene glycol-derivatized distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PEG/DSPE) were investigated in rodents and dogs. The plasma levels of DOX obtained with PEG/DSPE-containing liposomes were consistently higher than those without PEG/DSPE or when PEG/DSPE was replaced with hydrogenated phosphatidylinositol (HPI). Despite the inclusion of PEG/DSPE in liposomes, there was a significant drop in the plasma levels of DOX when the main phospholipid component, hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, was replaced with lipids of lower phase transition temperature (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, egg phosphatidylcholine), indicating that phase transition temperature affects the pharmacokinetics of liposome-encapsulated DOX. In beagle dogs, clearance was significantly slower for DOX encapsulated in PEG/ DSPE-containing liposomes than in HPI-containing liposomes, with distribution half-lives of 29 and 13 hr, respectively. In both instances, almost 100% of the drug measured in plasma was liposome-associated. The apparent volume of distribution was only slightly above the estimated plasma volume of the dogs, indicating that drug leakage from circulating liposomes is insignificant and that the distribution of liposomal drug is limited mostly to the intravascular compartment in healthy animals.     

脂质体中蛋白类药物包封率的测定

目的建立脂质体中蛋白类药物包封率的测定方法。方法以牛血清白蛋白(bovine serum al-bumin,BSA)为模型蛋白,采用逆向蒸发法制备了平均粒径为5.129μm的BSA脂质体。采用离心-参照法测定BSA脂质体的包封率,并以凝胶过滤、超速离心、超滤和透析4种常用方法对包封率的结果进行比较。结果该方法平均回收率为101.7%,RSD为2.32%(n=5),BSA质量浓度在1.02～1 507.5 mg.L-1内线性关系良好。离心-参照法测定3批BSA脂质体的平均包封率为69.74%,RSD为1.34%。而其他几种方法测定同一批脂质体的包封率值偏高或偏低,即测定方法存在问题。结论该法简便灵敏,测得值真实、可靠,可以用于蛋白类药物脂质体中包封率的测定。     

Use of the H3 receptor antagonist radioligand [3H]-A-349821 to reveal in vivo receptor occupancy of cognition enhancing H3 receptor antagonists

Background and purpose:

The histamine H₃ receptor antagonist radioligand [³H]-A-349821 was characterized as a radiotracer for assessing in vivo receptor occupancy by H₃ receptor antagonists that affect behaviour. This model was established as an alternative to ex vivo binding methods, for relating antagonist H₃ receptor occupancy to blood levels and efficacy in preclinical models.

Experimental approach:

In vivo cerebral cortical H₃ receptor occupancy by [³H]-A-349821 was determined in rats from differences in [³H]-A-349821 levels in the isolated cortex and cerebellum, a brain region with low levels of H₃ receptors. Comparisons were made to relate antagonist H₃ receptor occupancy to blood levels and efficacy in a preclinical model of cognition, the five-trial inhibitory avoidance response in rat pups.

Key results:

In adult rats, [³H]-A-349821, 1.5 µg·kg⁻¹, penetrated into the brain and cleared more rapidly from cerebellum than cortex; optimally, [³H]-A-349821 levels were twofold higher in the latter. With increasing [³H]-A-349821 doses, cortical H₃ receptor occupancy was saturable with a binding capacity consistent with in vitro binding in cortex membranes. In studies using tracer [³H]-A-349821 doses, ABT-239 and other H₃ receptor antagonists inhibited H₃ receptor occupancy by [³H]-A-349821 in a dose-dependent manner. Blood levels of the antagonists corresponding to H₃ receptor occupancy were consistent with blood levels associated with efficacy in the five-trial inhibitory avoidance response.

Conclusions and implications:

When employed as an occupancy radiotracer, [³H]-A-349821 provided valid measurements of in vivo H₃ receptor occupancy, which may be helpful in guiding and interpreting clinical studies of H₃ receptor antagonists.     

Hydration of surfactant-modified and PEGylated cationic cholesterol-based liposomes and corresponding lipoplexes by monitoring a fluorescent probe and the dielectric relaxation time

For the optimization of plasmid DNA (pDNA)-cationic lipid complexes and lipoplex delivery, proper indexes of the physicochemical properties of lipoplexes are required. In general, the characteristics of lipoplexes are defined by particle size and zeta-potential at various mixing ratios of cationic liposomes and pDNA. In this study, we characterized the hydration level of surfactant-modified and PEGylated cationic cholesterol-based (OH-Chol) liposomes and their lipoplexes by monitoring both the fluorescent probe laurdan and the dielectric relaxation time. Fluorescence measurement using laurdan detected hydration of the headgroup of lipids in surfactant-modified liposomes and PEGylated DOTAP-liposomes, but hardly any fluorescence was detected in PEGylated OH-Chol-liposomes because the PEG layers may extend and cover the fluorescent maker. On the other hand, the measurement of dielectric relaxation time of water molecules revealed total hydration, including hydration of the PEG layer and the headgroup of cationic lipids. Furthermore, we found an inverse correlation between hydration level and cellular uptake of PEGylated lipoplexes (R=0.946). This finding indicated that the dielectric relaxation time of water molecules provides an important indicator of hydration of liposome and lipoplexes along with the fluorescence intensity of laurdan.     

A highly potent and stable pan-coronavirus fusion inhibitor as a candidate prophylactic and therapeutic for COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases

The development of broad-spectrum antivirals against human coronaviruses (HCoVs) is critical to combat the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants, as well as future outbreaks of emerging CoVs. We have previously identified a polyethylene glycol-conjugated (PEGylated) lipopeptide, EK1C4, with potent pan-CoV fusion inhibitory activity. However, PEG linkers in peptide or protein drugs may reduce stability or induce anti-PEG antibodies in vivo. Therefore, we herein report the design and synthesis of a series of dePEGylated lipopeptide-based pan-CoV fusion inhibitors featuring the replacement of the PEG linker with amino acids in the heptad repeat 2 C-terminal fragment (HR2-CF) of HCoV-OC43. Among these lipopeptides, EKL1C showed the most potent inhibitory activity against infection by SARS-CoV-2 and its spike (S) mutants, as well as other HCoVs and some bat SARS-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoVs) tested. The dePEGylated lipopeptide EKL1C exhibited significantly stronger resistance to proteolytic enzymes, better metabolic stability in mouse serum, higher thermostability than the PEGylated lipopeptide EK1C4, suggesting that EKL1C could be further developed as a candidate prophylactic and therapeutic for COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.     

Application of Polyglycerol Coating to Plasmid DNA Lipoplex for the Evasion of the Accelerated Blood Clearance Phenomenon in Nucleic Acid Delivery

Cationic liposomes (CLs) have shown promise as nonviral delivery systems. To achieve in vivo stability and long circulation, most liposomes are modified with hydrophilic polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG). However, we have reported that repeated administration of PEG-coated CLs containing plasmid DNA (pDNA; PEGylated lipoplexes) induces what is referred to as “the accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon” and, consequently, subsequently administered lipoplexes lose their prolonged circulation characteristics. Anti-PEG IgM produced in response to the first dose of PEG-coated pDNA–lipoplexes (PEG–DCL) has proven to be a major cause of the ABC phenomenon. In this study, to evade and/or attenuate this unexpected immune response, we modified the surface of a lipoplex with polyglycerol (PG)-derived lipid. The PG-coated pDNA–lipoplex (PG–DCL) attenuated the production of anti-polymer IgM, whereas PEG-coated pDNA–lipoplex (PEG–DCL) did not. In addition, a second dose of PG–DCL maintained the accumulation level in the tumor tissue of a tumor-bearing mouse model, comparable to that of the first dose, whereas the tumor accumulation level of a second dose of PEG–DCL was significantly compromised, compared with the first dose of PEG–DCL. Our results indicate that surface modification of lipoplex with PG represents a viable means for the attenuation, and/or evasion, of the ABC phenomenon that is encountered upon repeated administrations of nucleic acids containing PEG-coated nanocarriers.     

Enhanced Encapsulation of Amphotericin B into Liposomes by Complex Formation with Polyethylene Glycol Derivatives

Purpose. A highly efficient method was developed for the encapsulation of amphotericin B (AmB) in liposomes, and the mechanism involved was characterized. Methods. AmB was encapsulated in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (DPPC/CH, 2:1) liposomes after complex formation with distearoyl-N-(monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) succinyl) phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE-PEG). Hydration of lipids was done with 9% sucrose solution. Results. The encapsulated amount of AmB was 111 g/mg lipid, which was much higher than that obtained by the same method without DSPE-PEG (14 g/mg lipid). The amount encapsulated increased with amount of DSPE-PEG used and with PEG molecular weight. Encapsulation efficacy was also influenced by the type of PEG derivatives used and by the modification of AmB, suggesting the involvement of complex formation between AmB and DSPE-PEG. Absorption and ³¹P-NMR spectral analyses indicated that interactions between the amino and phosphate groups and between the polyene and PEG moieties in AmB and DSPE-PEG, respectively, play an important role in the complex formation. Conclusions. Complex formation of AmB with DSPE-PEG allows the highly efficient encapsulation of the drug in liposomes. This simple technique should be applicable to other hydrophobic drugs.     

The Mystery of Antibodies Against Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) - What do we Know?

Purpose

Recent findings demonstrated anti-PEG antibody formation in some healthy individuals and patients who have not received PEGylated biotherapeutics. Some of these findings evoked criticism because of shortcomings in the antibody assays used. To better understand this topic, we established robust antibody analytics and screened two cohorts of healthy individuals and one cohort of hemophilia patients for the expression of anti-PEG antibodies.

Methods

A flow cytometry approach and a fully validated ELISA platform were established to detect specific anti-PEG antibodies. Immunohistochemistry was used to test for potential binding of anti-PEG antibodies to human tissues.

Results

IgM and/or IgG anti-PEG antibodies are expressed by some healthy individuals and by some patients with hemophilia who have not received PEGylated biotherapeutics. These antibodies can be either transient or persistent and recognize PEGs of different sizes with or without terminal methoxy groups. Age and location of healthy individuals influence the prevalence of IgG but not of IgM antibodies. Anti-PEG antibodies do not cross-react with human tissues supporting the safety of the antibodies.

Conclusion

We confirm that some healthy individuals and some patients with hemophilia express specific antibodies against PEG which are not associated with any pathology and do not bind to human tissues.

     

Development of a liposomal formulation of the natural flavonoid fisetin

The natural flavonoid fisetin (3,3′,4′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) has been shown to possess antiangiogenic and anticancer properties. Because of the limited water solubility of fisetin, our aim was to design and optimize a liposomal formulation that could facilitate its in vivo administration, taking into account the availability and cost of the various components. Several methods were evaluated such as probe sonication, homogeneization, film hydration and lipid cake formation. A selection of lipid and lipid-PEG was also performed via their incorporation in different formulations based on the size of the liposomes, their polydispersity index (PDI) and the fisetin encapsulation yield. An optimal liposomal formulation was developed with P90G and DODA-GLY-PEG2000, possessing a diameter in the nanometer scale (175 nm), a high homogeneity (PDI 0.12) and a high fisetin encapsulation (73%). Fisetin liposomes were stable over 59 days for their particle diameter and still retained 80% of their original fisetin content on day 32. Moreover, liposomal fisetin retained the cytotoxicity and typical morphological effect of free fisetin in different tumour and endothelial cell lines. In conclusion, based on its physico-chemical properties and retention of fisetin biological effects, the developed liposomal fisetin preparation is therefore suitable for in vivo administration.     

The effect of albumin on the metabolism of ethoxyresorufin through O-deethylation and sulphate-conjugation using isolated rat hepatocytes

Ethoxyresorufin was metabolised by suspensions of isolated rat hepatocytes through O-deethylation to resorufin, followed by sulphate-conjugation of the resorufin. The deethylation but not the conjugation was greatly induced by 3-methylcholanthrene pretreatment in vivo. Induction altered the apparent deethylation V_max but not the apparent K_m value. With control hepatocytes there was a 3-fold difference between the apparent V_max values for deethylation (0.07) and conjugation (0.22 nmole/min/10⁶ hepatocytes) but none between the apparent K_m values (1.3 μM, deethylation and 1.0 μM, conjugation). After induction the deethylation V_max (10 nmole/min/10⁶ hepatocytes) was almost 13-fold higher than the conjugation V_max (0.81 nmole/min/10⁶ hepatocytes), but again there was no difference in the K_m values for the two reactions (2 μM). A significant proportion of the deethylation product, resorufin, passed out from the hepatocytes and then re-entered them in order to undergo conjugation. Extracellular bovine serum albumin inhibited the conjugation by binding resorufin that had left the hepatocytes. Albumin greatly increased the total resorufin formed from ethoxyresorufin, despite inhibiting very slightly the initial rate of deethylation.     

The Immunogenicity of Polyethylene Glycol: Facts and Fiction

An increasing number of pegylated therapeutic proteins and drug targeting compounds are being introduced in the clinic. Pegylation is intended to increase circulation time and to reduce an immunogenic response. Recently however a number of publications have appeared claiming that the polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety of these products in itself may be immunogenic and that the induced anti-PEG antibodies are linked to enhanced blood clearance and reduced efficacy of the products. A critical review of the literature shows that most, if not all assays for anti-PEG antibodies are flawed and lack specificity. Also the biological effects induced by anti-PEG antibodies lack the characteristics of a bona fide antibody reaction. Standardization of the anti-PEG assays and the development of reference sera are urgently needed.     

Synthesis,characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of PEGylated oridonin conjugates

Oridonin (ORI), a diterpenoid compound with promising antitumor activity, was proved to possess potent antileukemia efficacies in vitro and in vivo recently. However, the development and application of ORI was limited by its poor solubility and rapid plasma clearance. The purpose of this study was to solve these problems. PEGylated oridonin linked with succinic acid (SA) as spacer moiety (PEG-SA-ORI conjugate) was synthesized. mPEG amines with four specifications of molecular weight (MW) were utilized. All polymeric conjugates showed satisfactory aqueous solubility and in vitro studies implied that the drug solubility and release features of conjugates were relevant to PEGs. The drug solubility increased more when the MW of PEG was lower, while more significant sustained-release effect was shown with higher PEG MW. Moreover, the release behaviors of conjugates showed a pH-sensitive property. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the elimination half-life was prolonged in comparison with ORI solution. PEGylation could be a promising method to obtain better efficacy in the field of drug delivery system.