Sci-Fact: PEG – The Next Wonder Drug?

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a water-soluble, waxy solid. The generalized chemical formula is:

H-(OCH₂CH₂)_n-OH

PEG enhances the delivery of some drugs, provides a watertight seal after cranial surgery, cures constipation, is used in caustic oven cleaner, and makes your shampoo thick. Quite interesting since a close chemical cousin, Ethylene glycol, is very toxic.

All well and good but what makes PEG a wonder drug? How about nerve repair to spinal cord injuries? Test on dogs involve the direct injection of PEG into the spinal cord injury. The treatment reversed paralysis in a high percentage of cases. Test show it must be administered in 72 hours after the injury to be effective. The FDA has yet to approve any testing on humans.

Want more? How about altering it to Maleimide-Polyethylene Glycol (MPEG) and using it for artifical blood?

I've seen your picture
Your name in lights above it
This is your big debut
It's like a dream come true

- from the song "Peg" performed by Steely Dan, words by Fagen and Becker (c) 1977