Disclosed are a protein conjugate with improved in vivo duration and
stability and the use thereof. The protein conjugate includes a
physiologically active polypeptide, a non-peptide polymer and an
immunoglobulin Fc fragment. Since the three components are covalently
linked, the protein conjugate has extended in vivo duration and enhanced
stability for the physiologically active polypeptide. The protein
conjugate maintains the in vivo activity at relatively high levels and
remarkably increases the serum half-life for the physiologically active
polypeptide, with less risk of inducing undesirable immune responses.
Thus, the protein conjugate is useful for developing long-acting
formulations of various polypeptide drugs.