The invention relates to a method for producing hyperbranched amylopectin
having a mean molecular weight ranging between 2,000 and 29,000 Dalton
and an average degree of branching of more than 10 percent and less than
20 percent, said degree of branching being expressed in mole percent of
the anhydroglucose units carrying branching points. According to the
inventive method, the molecular weight of plant amylopectins or starch
rich in amylopectin is reduced to molecular weights not exceeding 60,000
Dalton by means of a-amylase or acid hydrolysis in a first hydrolysis
step, and the molecular weight of the reduced product obtained in the
first hydrolysis step is further reduced by means of .beta.-amylase
reduction in a second hydrolysis step. The invention further relates to
the production of coupling products of the hyperbranched amylopectin with
a pharmaceutical agent.