Introduction: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polymer of choice in drug delivery systems. This USFDA-approved polymer is popular due to its tunable properties and well-established safety profile; prime requisites considered during the selection of any excipient in formulation development.

Areas covered: The individual properties and applications of PEG have been discussed at length in the existing literature. However, guidance on proper selection of PEG grade to cater to one’s purpose is lacking. This article focuses on providing preliminary guidelines to formulators on selection of appropriate PEG grade typically based on its physico-chemical properties and role-based application in pharmaceuticals. It should be noted that the aim article is not to deep dive in each area of research.

Expert Opinion: Guidance on PEG application and grade of choice is lacking in the available literature. The authors have discussed and provided guidance to formulators on the appropriate PEG grade selection for particular application of PEG based on the available in vitro and in vivo data presented in this review. State-of-the-art use of PEG in therapeutic applications, in clinical status and in commercial use is also summarized. Nevertheless, toxicities related to PEG and its related impurities are discussed at the end of review.

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