Tanox Biosystems, Inc.

Jean deVilliers

Tse-wen Chang

Wayne Gordon

Molecular conjugates which facilitate the attachment of macromolecular drugs onto cellular surfaces and their entry into cells are described. The molecular conjugates comprise a macromolecular drug linked to an 'inactivated' membrane blending agent which inserts into the cellular plasma membrane. The membrane blending agent is inactivated by cleavable linkage to a blocking agent which, until released from the conjugate under appropriate conditions, blocks and ability of the membrane blending agent to insert into the cellular membrane. Upon release of the blocking agent, the membrane blending agent is 'activated' and the conjugate can be inserted into a cellular plasma membrane. The membrane blending agents can be peptides such as fusogenic or ion channel forming peptides or long chain fatty acids. The blocking agents can be bulky or charged moieties which mask and prevent insertion of the membrane blending agent.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Jean deVilliers