Development of Peptide Biopharmaceuticals in Russia

Peptides are low-molecular-weight substances that participate in numerous important physiological functions, such as human growth and development, stress, regulation of the emotional state, sexual behavior, and immune responses. Their mechanisms of action are based on receptor-ligand interactions, which result in highly selective effects. These properties and low toxicity enable them to be considered potent drugs. Peptide preparations became possible at the beginning of the 20th century after a method was developed for selectively synthesizing peptides; however, after synthesis of the first peptide drugs, several issues related to increasing the stability, bioavailability, half-life, and ability to move across cell membranes remain unresolved. Here, we briefly review the history of peptide production and development in the biochemical industry and outline potential areas of peptide biopharmaceutical applications and modern approaches for creating pharmaceuticals based on synthetic peptides and their analogs. We also focus on original peptide drugs and the approaches used for their development by the Russian Federation.

Automated summary

Peptides are low-molecular-weight substances that play important roles in various physiological functions. While synthesis of peptide drugs has been possible for over a century, there are still challenges in enhancing their stability, bioavailability, and cell membrane penetration. This article provides a brief overview of the history of peptide production and development in the biochemical industry, explores potential applications of peptide biopharmaceuticals, and discusses modern approaches for creating pharmaceuticals based on synthetic peptides and their analogs, with a focus on original peptide drugs developed by the Russian Federation.