Polymers as drugs—Advances in therapeutic applications of polymer binding agents

Polymer drugs are those in which a polymer agent has a direct therapeutic effect on the body. A major investigated area of polymer drugs is their use as binding agents, or sequestrants, which can neutralize or remove undesired components from the body. By taking advantage of the unique properties of crosslinked, insoluble polymers, new polymer drugs continue to be developed for oral use, acting in the gastrointestinal tract and excreted in the feces. Soluble polymer binders may be administered by a variety of routes and act at diverse sites of therapeutic action. This article reviews the properties of polymer drugs, particularly sequestrants, with an emphasis on recent advances in polymer properties which may enhance the utility of this class of drugs.