What is pegloticase?
In contrast with other mammals, homo sapiens (and other higher primates) lack uricase, an enzyme which converts uric acid to the more soluble allantoin. Pegloticase is a recombinant mammalian uricase attached to polyethylene glycol (PEGylated). Due to cost (∼2000 $US per infusion) and risk of adverse events, it is recommended for cases with severe disease burden and either intolerance of usual ULT or refractory disease despite appropriate dosing of usual ULT.
