Shearwater Polymers

Shearwater Polymers was a pioneering biotechnology company specializing in PEGylation technology, the process of attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to therapeutic proteins, peptides, and small molecules. Founded by Dr. J. Milton Harris, the company became a world leader in providing high-purity activated PEG derivatives that improve drug solubility, stability, and circulating half-life while reducing immunogenicity. Their technology was instrumental in the development of several blockbuster drugs, including PEG-Intron and Neulasta. In 2001, the company was acquired by Inhale Therapeutic Systems, which subsequently rebranded as Nektar Therapeutics. The Huntsville-based facility remains a significant site for polymer chemistry and drug delivery innovation.