| abstract |
POLY- [Y-S-W] x (wherein POLY is a water-soluble polymer, Y is a hydrocarbon spacer group, x is 1 to 25, SW is a thiol, Disclosed are water-soluble polymeric reagents having the structure of protected thiols or thiol-reactive derivatives. Preferably, the water soluble polymer is a PEG polymer. Also disclosed are conjugates of the polymeric reagents with pharmaceutically acceptable related molecules, and methods for their formation and use. This complex is preferably water soluble per se. The complex can be provided with or in conjunction with a suitable pharmaceutical excipient such as an aqueous therapeutic carrier. |