PEPTIDE BASED DRUG DEVELOPMENT: DESIGNING BIOACTIVE PEPTIDES FOR CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Peptide-based therapeutics have emerged as a promising class of drugs for chronic disease management due to their high specificity, low toxicity, and ability to modulate complex biological pathways. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the design, modification, and delivery of bioactive peptides targeting conditions such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune conditions. Strategies such as rational drug design, incorporation of non-natural amino acids, cyclization, PEGylation, and stapling have significantly improved peptide stability, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics. Innovative delivery systems, including nanocarriers, liposomes, hydrogels, and microneedle patches, have further enhanced targeted delivery and patient compliance. Case studies highlight successful clinical applications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists in metabolic disorders, tumor-homing and anti-angiogenic peptides in oncology, amyloid-β inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease, and TNF-α modulators in inflammatory diseases. Despite these advancements, challenges such as rapid enzymatic degradation, poor oral bioavailability, and high production costs remain barriers to widespread adoption. Emerging approaches—such as peptide-drug conjugates, smart peptides, AI-driven peptide design, and advanced delivery technologies—offer promising solutions to these limitations. Future directions point toward personalized peptide therapeutics, regenerative medicine applications, and integration with gene-editing technologies. By combining molecular engineering with cutting-edge delivery systems, peptide-based drugs hold the potential to revolutionize chronic disease treatment, offering targeted, effective, and safer alternatives to conventional small-molecule and biologic therapies.