Poly-gamma-glutamic acid

Poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a naturally occurring biopolymer composed of repeating units of L- and D-glutamic acid. It is produced primarily by bacterial fermentation and is known for its biodegradability, non-toxicity, and non-immunogenic properties[2][3][6]. In biomedical contexts, it acts as an immunomodulator; upon administration it can augment the immune response by increasing production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as activating macrophages and natural killer cells[1][4]. Its applications include use in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, wound healing, cancer immunotherapy research (as a vaccine adjuvant or direct agent), and potentially as a non-viral vector for gene delivery[2][3][8]. Poly-gamma-glutamic acid has been investigated preclinically for cancer therapy and COVID-19 infections[8].

Brand names

HumaMAX

Other names

poly-γ-glutamic acidgamma PGAγ-PGAPolyglutamic acid