Title of Invention	"POLYALKYLENE GLYCOL WITH MOIETY FOR CONJUGATING BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS"
Abstract	The invention relates to novel polyalkylene glycol compounds and methods of using them. In particular, compounds comprising a novel polyethylene glycol conjugate are used alone, or in combination with antiviral agents to treat a viral infection, such as chronic hepatitis C

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POLYALKYLENE POLYMER COMPOUNDS AND USES THEREOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to novel polyalkylene glycol compounds, conjugates of the polymers and protein, and uses thereof. The present application is divisional application of application no. 2388/DELNP/2004. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Covalent attachment of hydrophilic polymers, such as polyalkylene glycol polymers, also known as polyalkylene oxides, to biologically -active molecules and surfaces is of interest in biotechnology and medicine. In particularly, much research has focused on the use of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG), also known as or poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO), conjugates to enhance solubility and stability and to prolong the blood circulation half-life of molecules. In its most common form, PEG is a linear polymer terminated at each end with hydroxyl groups. (Formula Removed) The above polymer, alpha-, omega-dihydroxylpoly(ethylene glycol), can also be represented as HO-PEG-OH, where it is understood that the -PEG-symbol represents the following structural unit: (Structure Removed) Where n typical ranges from about 4 to about 10,000. PEG is commonly used as methoxy-PEG-OH, or mPEG, in which on terminus is the relatively inert methoxy group, while the other terminus is a hydroxyl group that is subject to ready chemical modification. Additionally, random or block compolymers of different alkylene oxides (e.g., ethylene oxide and propylene oxide) that are closely related to PEG in their chemistry can be substituted for PEG in many of its applications. To couple PEG to a molecule of interest, it is often necessary to activate the PEG by preparing a derivative of the PEG having a reactive functional group at least at one terminus. The functional group is choisen based on the type of a available reactive group on the molecule that will be coupled to the PEG. PEG is a polymer having the properties of solubility in water and in many organic solvents, lack of toxicity, and lack of immunogenicity. One use of PEG is to covalently attach the polymer to insoluble molecules to make the resulting PEG-molecule "conjugate" soluble. For example, it has been shown that the water-insoluble drag paclitaxd, when coupled to PEG, becomes water-soluble. Gieenwald, et ai, J. Org. Ckem., 60:331-336 (1995). The prodrug approach, in which drugs are released by degradation of more complex molecules (prodrugs) under physiological conditions, is a powerful component of drug delivery. Prodrugs can, for example, be formed by bonding PEG to dregs via linkages which are degradable under physiological conditions. The lifetime of PEG prodrugs in vivo depends upon the type of functional group(s) forming linkages between PEG and the drug. In general, ester linkages, formed by reaction of PEG carboxylic acids or activated PEG carboxylic acids with alcohol groups on the drug hydrolyze under physiological conditions to release the drug, while amide and carbamate linkages, formed from amine groups on the drug, are stable and do not hydrolyze to release the free drug. It has been shown that hydrolytic delivery of drugs from PEG esters can be favorably controlled to a certain extent by controlling the number of linking methylene groups in a spacer between the terminal PEG oxygen and the carbonyl group of the attached carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid derivative. For example, Harris et al, in U.S. Patent No. 5,672,662, describe PEG butanoic acid and PEG propanoic acid, and activated derivatives thereof, as alternatives to carboxymethyl PEG for compounds where less hydrolytic reactivity in the corresponding ester derivatives is desirable. See, generally, PCT publication WO 01/46291. One factor limiting the usefulness of proteinaceous substances for medical treatment applications is that, when given parenteralty, they are eliminated from the body within a short time. This elimination can occur as a result of degradation by proteases or by clearance using normal pathways for protein elimination such as by filtration in the kidneys. Oral administration of these substances is even more problematic because, in addition to proteolysis in the stomach, the high acidity of the stomach destroys these substances before they reach their intended target tissue. The problems associated with these routes of administration of proteins are well known in the pharmaceutical industry, and various strategies are being employed in attempts to solve them. A great deal of work dealing with protein stabilization has been published. Various ways of conjugating proteins with polymeric materials are known, including use of dextrans, polyvinyl pyrrolidones, glycopeptides, polyethylene glycol, and polyamino acids. The resulting conjugated polypeptides are reported to retain their biological activities and solubility in water for parenteral applications. Of particular interest is increasing the biological activity of mterferons while reducing the toxicity involved with use of these proteins for treating human patients. Interferons are a family of naturally-occurring small proteins and glycoproteins produced and secreted by most nucleated cells in response to viral infection as well as to other antigenic stimuli. Interfeions render cells resistant to viral infection and exhibit a wide variety of actions on cells. They exert their cellular activities by binding to specific membrane receptors on tbe cell surface. Once bound to the cell membrane, interferons initiate a complex sequence of intracellular events. In vitro studies have demonstrated that these include the induction of certain enzymes; suppression of ceil proliferation, immunomodulation activities such as enhancement of the phagocytic activity of macrophages; augmentation of the specific cytotoxicity of lymphocytes for target cells; and inhibition of virus replication in virus-infected cells. Interferons have been tested in the treatment of a variety of clinical disease states. The use of human interferon beta has been established in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Two forms of recombinant interferon beta, have recently been licensed in Europe and the U.S. for treatment of this disease: interfbron-beta-la (AVONEX *, Biogen, Inc., Cambridge, MA and REBIF ®-Serono, Geneva, Switzerland) and interferon-beta-lb (BETASERON®, Berlex, Richmond, CA). Interferon beta-la is produced in mammalian cells using the natural human gene sequence and is glycosylated, whereas interferon beta-lb is produced in E. coli bacteria using a modified human gene sequence that contains a genetically engineered cysteine-to-serine substitution at amino acid position 17 and is non-gtycosylated. Non-immune interferons, which include both alpha and beta interferons, are known to suppress human immunodeficiency vims (HIV) in both acutely and chronically-infected cells. See Poll and Fauci. 1992, AIDS Research and Human Retioviruses 8(2):191-197. Due to their antiviral activity, interferons, in particular alpha interferons, have received considerable attention as therapeutic agents in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related disease. See Hcofhagle et al, in: Viral Hepatitis 1981 International Symposium, 1982, Philadelphia, Franklin Institute Press; Hoofhagle et al, 1986, New Eng. J. Med. 315:1575-1578; Thomson, 1987, Lancet 1:539-541 Kiyosawa et al., 1983, in: Zuckerman, ed., Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease, Allen K. Liss, New York pp. 895-897; Hoofhagle et al, 1985, Sem. Liv. Dis, 1985, 9:259-263. Interferon-polymer conjugates are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,106, U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,888, European Patent Application No. 0 236 987, European Patent Application No. 0 510 356 and International Application Publication No. WO 95/13090. Chronic hepatitis C is an insidious and slowly progressive disease having a significant impact on the quality of life. Despite improvement in the quality of the blood-donor pool and the recent implementation of testing of donated blood for HCV, the estimated incidence of acute infection among persons receiving transfusions is 5 to 10%. See Alter et al, in: Zuckerman, ed., Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease, Allen K. Liss, New York, 1988, pp. 537-542. Thus, of the approximately 3 million persons who receive transfusions in the United States each year, acute hepatitis C win develop in about ] 50,000. While many patients who contract hepatitis C will have sobclinical or mi!d disease, approximately 50% will progress to a chronic disease state characterized by fluctuating scrum transaminase abnormalities and inflammatory lesions on Kver biopsy. It is estimated that cirrhosis wiD develop in up to about 20% of this group. SeeKoretzetaL, 1985, Gastroenterology 88:1251-1254. Jnterferons are known to affect a variety of cellular functions, including DNA. replication, and RNA and protein synthesis, in both normal and abnormal cells. Thus, cytotoxic effects of interferon are not restricted to tumor or virus-infected ceils bat are also manifested in normal, healthy cells. As a result, undesirable side effects may arise during interferon therapy, particularly when high doses are required. Administration of jnterferon can lead to myelosuppression, thereby resulting in reduced icd blood cell count, and reduced white blood cell and platelet levels. Interferons commonly give rise to flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, fatigue, headaches and chills), gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., anorexia, nausea and diarrhea), dizziness and coughing. Often, the sustained response of HCV patients to non-PEGylated interferon treatment is low and the treatment can induce severe side effects, including, but not limited to, retmopathy, thyroiditis, acute pancreatitis, and depression. The undesirable side effects that accompany interferon therapy frequently limit the therapeutic usefulness of interferon treatment regimes. Thus, a need exists to maintain or improve the therapeutic benefits of such therapy while reducing or eliminating the undesirable side effects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to novel pofyalkylene glycol compounds, conjugates of these compounds, and iises thereof. In one aspect, the invention relates to an activated polyalkylene glycol polymer having the structure according to Formula I: Formula I I1-X—(CH2)r--Q-(Y)^— (CH2)n—R wherein P is a polyalkylene glyccl polymer, .z . X and Y are independently 0, S, CO, C02, COS, SO, S02, CONR', SOaNR', or NR'; Q is a C3 to Cs saturated orunsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl (including fiised bicyclic and bridged bicycKc ring structures), a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstiluted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C\ to Czo saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substitucnts are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thiofoimate, alkoxyl. phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imhie, cyano, rrirro, a/ido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocycryl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R', Z and Z' is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branchcd-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to C2o alkyl or heteroalkyl group, Cj to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkylj a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaiyl group or a substituted or imsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to Cjo saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein die substituents are .selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiecarborryl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and'alkylthio; R is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula I and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; misOorl; each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and pis 1,2, or 3. In another aspect, the invention relates to an activated polyalkylcnc glycol compound (PGC) having the structure according to Formula la: Formula la P—X—Q (Y)- (CH2)n—CH R Z where P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, m is zero or one, n is zero or an integer from one to five, and X and Y are independently 0, i ...0, COz, COS, ^u, 602, CONR', SOiNR', orNR'. Q is a Cj to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyi or cyclic heteroalkyl, a gubstituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aBcaryl wherein the alkyi is a Ci to Cio saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group. If present, the substiruents can be halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, caiboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulftte, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imhio, saltamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, or alkylthio. Heterocyclic and carbocyciic groups include fused bicyclic and bridged bicyulic ring structures. Each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-cbain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to Cjo alkyl or heteroalkyl group, Cs to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryi wherein the alkyl is a Ci to Czo saturated or nnsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group. The substituents can be halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioestcr, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, or alkyltbio. Compounds which include chiral carbons can be in the R configuration, the S configuration, or may be raccmic. R is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula 1 and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In one embodiment, R is a carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succimraidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridiae, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, aJJyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, or a gtyoxal moiety. In certain embodiments, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: Formula II: E-(0-CH2CH2)a-i where E is hydrogen or a straight- or branched-chain Ci to CM alkyl group and a is an integer from 4 to U, j\fl). For example;, n can be a methyl group. In other embodiments, E can be a detectable label, such as, for example, a radioactive isotope, a fluorescent moiety, a phosphorescent moiety, a chemiluminescent moiety, or a quantum dot. In yet other embodiments, E is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula i and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. For example, E can be a carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl. acrylate,tnethacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstiluted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine. hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azoic, maieimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinhnidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, or a glyoxal moiety. In still other embodiments, E has die structure according to Formula III or Formula IV: Formula III R- HC—(CKti 00m Q X—CWjCW2 Formula IV Rm HC_(CH2)- x CW2CW2 Z where each Q, X, Y, Z, m, and n are, independently, as defined above; and each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to Ci alkyl. R" is a moiety suitable for foiming a bond between the compound of Formula IE and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and R"' is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. For example, R" and R"' can be a carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydioxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, tnethacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected atnine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, a?X)le, maieimide. sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, or a glyoxal moiety. R" and R'" can be the same or different from R. In particular embodiments, Q is a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryL In another aspect, the invention relates to an activated PGC having the structure ing to Formula V: Formula V (oyr-CH—R where P, 1^ Y, R', Z, R, m, and n are m defined, and TI and T: are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated d to Chalky! or hetcroalkyl group, a C) to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroaDcyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aflcaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to CM saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group. The substituents can be halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, tbiocarborryl, thioester, thioacetate, tKioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl.phosphonatc, phospbinate, amioo, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyelyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteioarornatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, oralkylthio. L may be absent (c.g., d is zero) or there may be from one to four (e.g., n is an integer from one to four) L substituents on the aromatic ring in addition to the TI and T} substituents, and each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C] to Cao alkyl or heteroalkyl group, Cj to Cg saturated or unsatnrated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to C» saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group. The substituents are selected from halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, pnosphoryl, phosphorate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulihydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sityl, ether, and alkylthio. R is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula V and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. For example, R is chosen from carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, aciybmide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isotbjocyanato, dithiopyridine, vinytpyridine,iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dioiw, mesyl, tosyl, and gryoxal Tn one embodiment of fee activated polyalkylene glycol polymer of Formula V, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula H: Formula II: where E is hydrogen or a straight- or branched-chain Cj to €20 alkyl group and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. For example, E can be methyl. In other embodiments, E is a detectable label, such as, for example, a radioactive isotope, fluorescent moiety, phosphorescent moiety, chemiluminescent moiety, or a quantum dot. In another aspect, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: Formula H: where E is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula V and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. For example, E is chosen from caiboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acctal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted arnine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succrnimidyl, isocyanate, isotbjocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysucchiimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and gtyoxal moieties. In another aspect, E has the structure according to Formula HI or Formula IV: Formula III R" - HC — (CH2); - (Y)m — Q - X— CW,CW2 - Z Formula IV «- HC—(CH2—X CWCW2 Z where Q is a €3 to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl (including fused bicycHc and bridged bicyclic ring structures), a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or hcteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl; the alkyl is a Ci to €20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, and the substituents can be of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester. ihioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonale, phosphinatc.amino, amido, ami dine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfatc, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic raoicty, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, or alkylthio. X, Y, Z, m, and n are as defined, and each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C| to C? alkyl; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and R1" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. hi certain embodiments, R" and R'" can be the same as or different from R, and are chosen from carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acctal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylatc, methacrylatc, acrylamidc, substituted or unsubstitutcd Uiiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted aminc, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanatc, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azoic, maleimidc, sulfonc, allyl, vinylsulfonc, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal moieties. In one embodiment of the compound of Formula V, X and Y, if present, are oxygen. In another aspect the invention relates to an activated PGC having the structure according to Formula VI: Formula VI Z COST—(CH* T O where P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, m is zero or one, n is zero or an integer from one to five, X and Y are independently 0, S, CO, CO*, COS, SO, SO?, CONR', SOjNR', or NR', and TI and TZ are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated d to CM alkyl or heteroalkyl group. Each R4 and Z is, independently, hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C| to Ca> alkyl or heteroalkyl group. d is zero or an integer from one to four, and each L is, independently, a straight- or branchcd-cham, saturated or unsaturated C| to CM alkyl or heteroalkyl group, €3 to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Cj to Cjo saturated or unsaturated alkyl or hcteroalkaryl group. The subsritucnts are selected from halogen, hydroxyU carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, fonrryl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester. - thioacetate, thiofonnate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulflrydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfbnamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, or alkylthio moieties. In one embodiment, the activated PGC according to Formula VI has the structure according to Formula VD or Formula VIII: Formula VII: Z ,H P— In one embodiment of the activated polyalkylene glycol compounds of Formulae VII and VHI, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: Formula El: where E is hydrogen or a straight- or branched-chain Ci to Cjo alkyl group and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. For example, E can be methyl. In other embodiments, E is a detectable label, such as, for example, a radioactive isotope, fluorescent moiety, phosphorescent moiety, chemiluminescent moiety, or a quantum dot In another aspect, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: Formula H: E-(0-CH2CH2)a-> where E is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula VII or VHI and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. For example, E is chosen from carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridme, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide 1fone, alh/l, vir tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal nwiieties. In another aspect, E has the structure according to Formula III or Formula IV: Formula IH R» HC (CH2); (Y)m Q X— CW2CW2 Z Formula TV R" HC—(CH2^ X CW2CW2 Z where Q is a €3 to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or imsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl; the alkyl is a Ci to Czo saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, and the subsliiuents can be of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, Ihioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, ammo, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, snlfate, sulfonate, sulfarnoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino. silyl, ether, or alkylthio. Heterocyclic and carbocyclic groups include fused bicycKc and bridged bicyclic ring structures X, Y, Z, m, and n are as defined, and each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to C7 alkyl; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In certain embodiments, R" and R'" can be the same as or different from R, and are chosen from carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, sueeinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridinc, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccininridyl, ascole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal moieties. In one embodiment, the activated polyalkylene glycol compound of Formula VIII, the ring substitucnts are located m a meta arrangement In another embodiment, the ring substituents are located in a para arrangement. In another embodiment, the activated polyalkvlene glycol compound according to Formula VI, has the structure accoi .,g to Formula !u.. Formula IX: (CH2)u - 0 - (CK^n— CH - where P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, each n and u are, independently, zero or an integer from one to five; and Z is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Q to CH> alkyl or heteroalkyl group. In one embodiment of the compounds of Formula IX, the ring substituents are located in a meta arrangement. In another embodiment of the compound!; of Formula IX, the ring substituents are located in a para arrangement, In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula DC, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: Formula II: where E is hydrogen, a straight- or branchcd-chain Ci to CM alkyl group, a detectabk label, or a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Fonnula IX and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. In another aspect, the invention involves an activated polyalkylene glycol polymer having the structure according to Formula X: Formula X: Z'- — X - (CH2);r)-C-|~(CH2)n - R Z wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X is 0, S, CO, COj, COS, SO, SOz, CONR', SOjNR', or NR'; R' is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to CM alkyl or heteroalkyl group, Cj to Cg saturated or imsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubsthuted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to Cy» saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selecto"1 from the group consisting of halogen, bydroxyl, carbonyl, carbonate, ester, fornryl, acyl, tiu'ocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphorate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkj'lj aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, irnhio, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; Z and Z' are individually hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Cj to Czoalkyl or heteroalkyl group, Cj to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to CM saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the suhstittients are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, fomiyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, ihioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, pbosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, ammo, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, hetcroarornatic moiety, jmino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio, provided that at least one Z or Z' is not hydrogen; R is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula X and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and pis 1,2, or 3. In another aspect, the invention involves an activated polyalkylene glycol compound (PGC) having the structure according to Formula Xa: Formula Xa: ?H—R In these compounds, P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, such as, for example, PEG or mPEG. X is O, S, CO, CO* COS, SO, SO* CONR', SO2NR', or NR', and R', if present, is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to Czoalkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to CM saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thiocster, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, l, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sutfonamido, sulfbnyl, heterocycryl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio. Z is a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturatcd Ci to €20 alkyl or heteroalky] group, Cj to C? saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubsn'tuted aryl orheteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to €30 saturated or unsaturated allcyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carborryl, carboxylate. ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphorate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfliydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl. ether, and alkylthio. R is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula X and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5, such that there are between zero and live methylene groups between X and the Z-containing carbon. In one embodiment, R is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylale, melhacrylate, aeryiamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, malcimide, sutfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfb-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. In another embodiment, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: Formula II: wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain C| to C2o alkyl group, 01 a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 1 0,000. In a further embodiment, E may be methyl. In yet another embodiment, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II, wherein E is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula X and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. In an additional embodiment, E is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester., aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acryiamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazdde, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, ally], vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. Alternatively, E may have the structure according to Formula III: Formula HI R" HC—(CHzfc (Y)m Q—X— CWjCWj Z wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, X and Y arc independently 0, S, CO, CCh, COS, SO, S02, CONR', SC^NR', or MR'; Q is a Cs to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl (including fused bicyclic and bridged bicyclic ring structures), a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C| to C2o saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, mioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R' and each Z are independently as described above; misOor 1; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to C? alkyl; each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. Heterocyclic and carbocyclic groups include fused bicyclic and bridged bicyclic ring structures. In still a further embodiment, E has the structure according to Formula IV: Formula TV R"1- - HC — (CH^ - X - CW2CW2 - Z wherein each X, Z and n are, independently, as defined; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to C? alkyl; and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In an additional embodiment, R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acryJamide, substituted or imsubstitated thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, diflriopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, ally], vmylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxaL In a further embodiment, R'" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxyh'c acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vmylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succhrimidyl, dionc, mesyl, tosyl, and gtyoxal. In another embodiment, E is a detectable label. Additionally, E may be selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, and quantum dots. In still another embodiment the activated PGC according to the invention has the structure according to Formula XI: Formula XI: wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, and n and Z are as defined. In another embodiment, the activated polyalkylenc glycol has the structure according to Formula XU: Formula XII: 0 wherein n, a, and Z are as defined above. In one embodiment, Z may be methyl. In some embodiments, n is one. In another aspect, the invention involves an activated polyalkylene glycol compound of having the structure according to Formula Xffl: Formula Xni: 0 where a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. The invention is also concerned with a composition of the activated polyalkylene glycol compounds of the invention and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In various embodiments, the biologically-active compound or precursor thereof is chosen from the group consisting of a peptide, peptide analog, protein, enzyme, small molecule, dyo, lipid, nucleosidc, oligonucleotide, oligonudeotide analog, sugar, oligosaccharidc, cell, virus, liposome, microparticle, surface, and a micelle. In another aspect, the invention provides a composition having the structure according to Formula XIV: Formula XIV: -Z !—(Y^(CH2)r|-~ z p wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X and Y are independently 0, S; CO, C02, COS, SO, SO* CONR', SOzNR', orNR'; Q is a Cs to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted allr--1 wherein the alkyl is a Ci to CM saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteruuikaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, inline, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonatc, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R', Z, and Z* is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to CM alkyl or heteroalkyl group, €3 to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alky] is a C| to C» saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, araflcyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R* is a Unking moiety; B is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; misOor 1; each n is independently 0 or on integer from 1 to 5; and pis 1,2, or 3. In another aspect, the invention involves a composition having the structure according to Formula XTVa: Formula XlVa: Z wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X and Y are independently 0, S, CO, C02, COS, SO, SOj, CONR', SQiNR', or MR'; Q is a Cj to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl (including fused bicyclic and bridged bicyclic ring structures), a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group (including fused bicyclic and bridged bicyclic ring structures), or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Q to CM saturated or unsaturated alky] or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, caro*—', carboxylate. rrayl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thiofoimate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphirate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, suljfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromalic moiety, itnino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R* and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated d to Cjo alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to Cg saturated or xmsaturated cycKc alfcyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or hcteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to €20 saturated 01 unsatarated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, ammo, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, gulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, irnino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R* is a linking moiety formed from the reaction of R with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; B is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof after conjugation with R; misOor 1; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. In-one embodiment. R* is a linking moiety formed from the reaction ol'R with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. For example, R is a moiety selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanatc, isothiocyanate, ditbiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuctinimidyl., azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione,mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. In another embodiment, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: Formula H: wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain Cj to Cjo alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a ' - ™ integer from 4 to 10,000. In this embodiment, E may be methyl. In a further embodiment, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula Formula U: wherein E is a moiety suitabk for forming a bond between the compound of Formula XIV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. Here, in still a further embodiment, E may form a bond to another biologically-active compound, B. Altemalively, E may fonn a bond to a biologically-active compound other Ihan B. E may also form an additional bond to the biologically-active compovmd, B. In various embodiments, E may be chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acctal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylatc, methacrj'late, acryiamide, substituted or imsubstiluted thiol, halogen, substituted or umubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydraade, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanatc, dithiopyridine, vinyrpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccirrimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, a%l,vinylsulfone,tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. In another embodiment, E may have the structure according to Formula HI: Formula in C HC— (CH^ - (Y)m— -Q — X— CW2CW2 - wherein each Q, X, Y, Z, m, and n are, independently, as defined, each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Q to Cy alkyl; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula HI and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In a further embodiment, E has the structure according to Formula IV: Formula IV R"1 HC—(CH^—X—CW2CW2 Z wherein each X, Z and n are, independently, as defined, each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Cj to C? alkyl; and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In various embodiments, R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic'acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, aurylaniide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amirte, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinhnidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridrae, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydtoxysuccmimidyl, azole, maleitnide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mcsyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. Likewise, in other embodiments, R" ' is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehydes hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkeiiyl, acrylate, mcthacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubsthiited thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridmc, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysnccinimidyl, azole, maleimide. sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosy], and gtyoxal. In still other embodiments, E is a detectable label. For example, E may be selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemihiminescent moieties, and quantum dots. In various embodiments, Q is a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl. In another aspect, the invention involves a composition having the structure according to Formula XV: Formula XV R* - B Z (L)d wherein P is a polyalkylene gtycol polymer, m is zero or one; d is zero or an integer from one to four, and n is zero or an integer from one to five. X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CCh, COS, SO, SOs, CONR', SOzNR', or NR'; and T| and Tj are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C i to Cso alkyl .or heteroalkyl group, a Cj to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to Czo saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteronlkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, tbiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, ihiofonnate, aDcoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, araino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sralfamoyl, sulfonatnido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, itnino, sily], ether, and alkylthio. Each R' and Z is, independently, hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to €20 alkyl or heleroalkyl group, Cj to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to €20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, ammo, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nhro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfatnoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, hetcrocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, siryl, ether, and alkyltfaio. Each L is, independently, a straight- or branehed-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to C2o alkyl or heteroalkyl group, Cj to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Q to €20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonatc, phosphinate, arnino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sibyl, ether, and alkylthio. R* is a linking moiety formed from the reaction of R with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and B is a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof, after conjugation with R. For example, R may be a moiety selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylote, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinrmidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinunidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succirumidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. In another embodiment, P is a polyethylene glycol havmg the structure of Form ..a H: Formula II: wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain Cj to €20 alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. In this embodiment, E may be methyl. In still another aspect, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: Formula n: E-(0-CH2CH2V wherem E is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula XV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. Here, E may be selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate. acrylamide, substituted 01 unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazidc, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanatu, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azote, maleimide, sulfono, allyl, vmylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-snccinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and gryoxal. Additionally, E may have the structure according to: Formula ffl R» - HC— (CH2)s - (Y)m - Q - X— CW2CW2 - wherein Q is a €3 to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, (including fused hicyclic and bridged bicyclic ring structures), a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Q to Cao saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyL, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinatc, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfete, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, siryl, ether, and alkylthio; each X, Y, Z, m, and n are, independently, as defined; each W is, independenfly, hydrogen or a Ci to C? alkyl; a1 R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula HI and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In another embodiment, E can have the structure according to Formula IV: Formula IV R" HC— (CKy—X—CW2CW2 Z \vherem X, 2 and n are as defined; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to C; alkyl; and R"' is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereo£ In still another embodiment, R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acctal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrykte, methacrylate, acrylamidc, substituted or misubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridme, vnrylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, liydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, alfyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, suIfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. Likewise, in other embodiments, R5" may selected from the group consisting of carboxyh'c acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acctal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine. hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridme, vmylpyridrae, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, malehnide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal In other embodiments, E is a detectable label. For example, E may be selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, and quantum dots. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition having the structure according to Formula XVI: Formula XVI P —Y—T A 1J > where misOorl,nisOoran integer from 1 to 5, P is a polyalkylene gh/col polymer, X and Y are independently 0, S, CO, C02, COS, SO, S02, CONR', S^NR', or NR', Ti and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to C^alkyl or heteroalkyl group, and each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chafo, saturated or unsatorated Ci to Cy> alkyl or heteroalkyl group; d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4, and each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C] to €20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, Cj to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstitutcd aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsuMtuted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Q to C2o saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group. The snbstituents are selected from halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocaibonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, asddo, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfaraoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio groups. R* is a linking moiety formed from the reaction of R with a biologically-active compound or precmsor (hereof, and B is a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof, after conjugation with R. For example, R may be a moiety selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected bydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acryiate, methacrylatc, acrylamide, substituted or unsubsrJtuted tbiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydraxide, succinimidyl, isocj'anate, isomiocyanate, dfthiopyridine, vhiylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysucchrimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, alryl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. In one embodiment, R* is a methylene group and B is a biologically-active molecule having an amino group, where the methylene group forms a bond with the ammo group on B. In certain embodiments, the, ;~-;* % amino terminus of apeptide, an amine of an amino acid sidejuain of a peptide, or an amine of a glycosylation substituent of a glycosylated peptide. For example, the peptide can be an interfeion, such as interferon-beta. e.g., interferon-beta-la. hi some embodiments, the compound according to Formula XV! has a structure according to Formula XVII: Formula XVII: where P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, Z is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Q to €20 alkyl or hetooalkyl group, n is 0 or an integer tram 1 to 5. R* is a linking moiety formed from the reaction of R with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and B is a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof, after conjugation with R. For example, R may be a moiety selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acryianiide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, ally!, vinylsulfone, tresyL suIfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. hi one embodiment, R* of Formula XVJ1 is a methylene group and B is a biologically-autive molecule having an amitio group, where the methylene group forms a bond with the amino group on B. In certain embodiments, the amine is the ammo terminus of a peptide, an amine of an amino acid side chain of a peptide, or an amine of a glycosylation substituent of a glycosylated peptide. For example, the peptide can be an interferon, such as interferon-beta, e.g., mterferon-beta-la. In other embodiments, the compound according to Formula XVI has a structure according to Formula XVIII: Formula XVIU: --CH-*-•0 where P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, R* is a linking moiety, B is a biologically-active molecule, and n is one or two. In one embodiment, R* of Formula XVIII is a methylene group and B is a biologically-active molecule having an amino group, where the methylene group forms a bond with the amino group on B. In certain embodiment!!, the araiiie is the amino terminus of a peptide, an amine of an ammo acid side chain of a peptide, or an amine of a grycosylation substituent of a glycosylated peptide. For example, the peptide can be an interferon, such as interferon-beta, e.g., interferon-beta-la. In certain embodiments of the compound according to Formula XVI, Pisa polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula IL Formula II: wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- orbranched-chain Cj to Cio alkyl (e.g., methyl) group, a detectable label, or a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula XVI and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. When E is a detectable label, the label can be, for example, a radioactive isotope, fluorescent moiety, phosphorescent moiety, chemiluminescent moiety, or a quantum dot. In another embodiment, where E is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula XVI and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, E is chosen from carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted Ihiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide. succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, cpoxide, hydroxysuccinrmidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, alhyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-suecirrimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal moieties. In another embodiment, E has the structure according to Formula in or Formula W: Formula III R« - HC— (CE2rn - {Y)ra— Q— X— CW2CW2 Formula IV Rn, - HC— (CH2^ — X - CW2CW, - Z where Q is a Cs to Cj saturated or unsaturatcd cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl (including fused bicyclic and bridged bicyclic ring structures), a substituted or imsubstftuted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsnbstituted alkaryl; the alkyl is a Q to CM saturated or unsaturated alkyl orhcteroalkaryl group, and the substituents can be of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carbonate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino. amido, amidme, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfemoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl.hetcrocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, or alkylthio. X Y, Z, m, and n are as defined, and each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C] to C? alkyl; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula HI and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In certain embodiments, R" and R'" can be the same as or different from R, and are chosen from carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamidc, substituted or unsubstitated tbiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, bydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanatc, dimiop^dine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccminiidyl, azole, maleimide, sutfone, alh/1, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N^uccinimidyl, dione, mesyi,tosyl, and glyoxal moieties. In other embodiments of the compound according to Formula XVI, the compound can have the structure according to Formula XK: Formula XIX: (CH^n—CM—R* 0-(CH2)u P wherein P is a poryalkylene glycol polymer, each n and u are, independently, zero or an integer from one to five, Z is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to Ca, alkyi or heteroalkyl group. R* is a linking moiety formed from the reaction of R with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and B is a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof, after conjugation with R. In one embodiment, R* of Formula XK is a methylene group and B is a biologically-acn've molecule having an amino group, where the methylenc group forms a bond with the amino group on B. In certain embodiments, (he amine is the amino terminus of a peptide, an amine of an amino acid side chain of a peptide, or an amine of a grycosylation substituent of a glycosylated peptide. For example, the peptide can be an interferon, such as interferon-beta, e.g., interferon-beta-la. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition according to Formula XX: Formula XX: Z * JUB f U / "• Z where m is 0 or 1, d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4, a is an integer from 4 to 10,000, and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. Each X and Y is independently O, S, CO, C02, COS, SO, SOj, CONR', SOaNR', or NR!, or MR*, T] and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to Czo alkyi or heteroalkyl group, and each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Cj to Czo alkyi or heteroalkyl group. When present, each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C i to CM alkyi or heteroalkyl group, C] to C» saturated or unsaturated c,. ac aftyl or cych'c heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstiluted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubsthuted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a d to CM saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group. The substituents are selected from halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, tbrmyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amiiline, iraine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alfcylthio. Q is a Cj to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alky] or cyclic heteroalkyl (including fused bicyclic and bridged bicyclic ring structures), a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstitnted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to Czo saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group. The substituents can be halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, fomoyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidme, imine, cyano, mho, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocych/1, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, or alkylthio. Each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C| to C/ alkyl. R* and R** are, independently, linking moieties formed from the reaction of R and R" with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and B and B' are each a biologically-active compound,, or precursor thereof, after conjugation with R and R", respectively. In some embodiments, B and B' are the same type of biologically-active compound. In other embodiments, B and B" are different biologically-active compounds. In still other embodiments, B and B' are the same biologically active molecule. In additional embodiments, R* and R** are the same. In other embodiments, R* and R** are different. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition according to Formula XXI: Formula XXI: Z ,B z where m is 0 or 1, d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4, a is an integer from 4 to 10,000, and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. X and Y are independently 0, S, CO, C02, COS, SO, SOz, CONR', SOiNR', or. MR', TI and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- r 1 -anched-chain .. .jd or unsaturated Ci to CH, alkyl or heteroalkyl group, each R' and Z is, independently, hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C; to C2o alkyl or heteroalkyl group. When present, each L is, independently, a straight- or brancbed-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to C2oalkyl or heteroalkyl group, Cj to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or hcteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein (he alkyl is a Q to Czo saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heleroalkaryl group, wherein the substiruents are selected from halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, aniino, amido. amidine, inline, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfatnoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino. silyl, ether, and alkylthio, and each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to C? alkyl. R* and R** are, independently, linking moieties formed from the reaction of R and R" with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and B and B' are each a biologically-active compound, or precursor (hereof, after conjugation with Rand R", respectively. In some embodiments, B and B' are the same type of biologically-active compound. In other embodiments, B and B' are different biologically-aclive compounds. In still other embodiments. B and B1 arc the same biologically active molecule. In additional embodiments, R* and R** are the same. In other embodiments, R* and R** are different. In another aspect, the invention involves a composition having the structure according to Formula XXH: Formula XXH: P—X- . ... _ _ Z wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X is O, S, CO, C02, COS, SO, SO?, CONR>, S02NR', or MR'; R' is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Q to CM alkyl or heteroalkyl group, €3 to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to CM saturated or unsaturated alkyl orheteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are sel -d from the gri.^ consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, tiiioacetate, thiofonnate, alkoxyl. phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, fanine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfliydryl, suliate, sulfonate, suliarnoyl, sulfonamido, sttlfonyl,heterocyctyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatie moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each Z and Z' is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-cham, saturated or unsaturatcd Ci to €20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, 63 to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkary] wherein the alkyl is a Ci to Cao saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, caiboxylate, ester, fonnyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thiofonnate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, ammo, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, hetcrocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio, provided that at least one Z or Z' is not hydrogen; R* is a h'nking moiety; B is a biologically-active molecule; each n is 0 or an integer from I to 5; and pis 1,2. or 3. In a further aspect, the invention involves a composition having the structure according' to Formula XXIIa: Formula XXIIa: P X (CH2)n CH—R* B wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X is 0, S, CO, C02, COS, SO, S02, CONR', SOiNR', or NR'; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. R' is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-cham, saturated or unsaturated Ci to C?o alkyl or heteroalkyl group, Cj to Cs saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to Czo saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, c- " ttylate, ester, , ^cyl, thiocaibonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thiofonnate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyctyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, hnino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; Z is a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to CM alkyi or heteroalkyl group, Cj to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyi or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyi is a C\ to €20 saturated or unsaturated alkyi or hetcroaJkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected fram the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carborryl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphorate, phosphinate, amino, amiUo, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfale> sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocycryl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, hnino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R* is a linking moiety formed from the reaction of R with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and B is a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof, after conjugation with R. In one embodiment, R* is formed from the reaction of a moiety selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylarnide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isomiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylstdfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and gtyoxal with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In an additional embodiment, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: Formula II: wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- orbnmched-chain Ci to C20 alkyi group, or a letectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. In this embodiment, E may be methyl. In another embodiment, P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II; Formula II: wherein E is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula II and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. In this embodiment, E may bind to a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof other man B. In other embodiments, E forms an additional bond to the biologically-active compound B. In various embodiments. E may be selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstiruted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstihited amine, protected aminc, hydrazide, protected liydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vrnylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccmimidyl, azoic, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succmimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. In other embodiments, E has the structure according to Formula IIJ: Formula in R» HC—(CHzfc 00m—Q X—CW2CW2 Z j wherein P is a polyalkylenc glycol polymer; each X and Y is independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, S02j CONR', SOiNR*, or NR'; Q is a Cs to Cg saturated orunsaturalcd cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl (inclnding fused bicyclic and bridged bicyclic ting structures), a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Cj to Czo saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocaibonyl, thioester, tluoacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imme, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sul&moyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R* and each Z are independently as described above; misOor 1; each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; and each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to C? alkyl. In a fiirther embodiment, E has the structure according to Formula IV: Formula IV R"' HC—(CH2)s X CW2CWa wherein each X, Z and n are, independently, as defined; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a d to Cv alkyl; and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In still further embodiments, R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, metliacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanatc, isotbiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysoccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mcsyl, tosyl, and gtyoxal. In yet other embodiments, R'" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate. methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinhnidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinhnidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and gryoxal. In additional embodiments, E is a detectable label. For example, E may be selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties and quantum dots. In another embodiment, R* is methylenc and B is a biologically-active molecule attached via an amine. For example, the amine is the amino terminus of a peptide. In a fiirther embodiment, the peptide is an interferon such as interferon-beta-la. In another embodiment, the invention is a composition having the structure according to Formula XXTtt: R* wherein n, a, R* B, and Z are as defined above. In one additional embodiment, Z is methyl and n is one. In still a farther aspect, the invention involves a composition according to Formula XXIV: Formula XXIV: Z B,_Rli-CH-(CH2)n— (Y)m— Q— X-CW:CW2-(0-CH2CH2);1— X— wherein m is 0 or 1, a is an integer from 4 to 10,000; and each n is independently zero or an integer from 1 to 5. Each X and Y is independently 0, S, CO, CO* COS, S03 SOz, CONR', SOjNR', or MR'; each R' and Z is, independently, hydrogen, a straight- or branchcd-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to C2o alkyl or hcteroalkyl group; and each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to C? alkvl. Q is a Cj to Cg saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkvl or cyclic heteroalkyl (including fused bicyclic and bridged bicyclic ring structures), a substituted or unsubstitutcd aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a Ci to C^ saturated or •unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substhuents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, forrayl, acyl, tbiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, tliiofonnate, alkoxyl, phosphorj'l, phoq>honate, phospninate, ammo, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfiiydryl, suUate, sulfonate, sulfemoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio. R* and R** are, independently, linking moieties formed from the reaction of R and R' with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and B and B* are each a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof, after conjugation with R and R", respectively. In some embodiments, B and B' are the same type of biologically-active compound. In other embodiments, B and B' are different biologically-active compounds. 1 Jl other embodiments, B and B' are the same biologically active molecule. ID additional embodiments, R* and R** are the same. In other embodiments, R* and R** are different. In a further aspect, the invention involves a composition according to Formula XXV: Formula XXV: T wherein B'—R—CH—(City—X—CW2CW2 (0-CH2CH2V-X Z X is O, S, CO, C02> COS, SO, SO* CONR', S02NR', orNR1; a is an integer from 4 to 10,000; and each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. Each and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or brancbed-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to C-a, alkyl or heteroafltyl group, and each W is, independently, hydrogen or a CitoC7alkyl. R* and R** are, independently, linking moieties formed from the reaction of R and R" with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof, and B and B' are each a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof, after conjugation with R and R", respectively. In some embodiments, B and B1 are the same type of biologically-active compound. In other embodiments, B and B' are different biologically-active compounds. In still other embodiments, B and B' are the same biologically active molecule. In additional embodiments, R* and R** are the same. In other embodiments, R* and R** are different. The invention also involves a pharmaceutical composition containing the compositions of the invention along with a pharmaceutically-acceptablc carrier. In various embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition also contains an additional biologically-active agent For example, the biologically-active agent maybe selected from the group consisting of a peptide, peptide analog, protein, enzyme, small molecule, dye, lipid, nucleoside, oligorraclcotide, oligonucleotide analog, sugar, oligosaccharide. cell, virus, liposome, microparticle, surface, and a micelle. In another embodiment, the biologically-active agent is an antiviral agent In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising the product of the reaction of the compound of Formula I and a biologically-active compound or a precursor thereof (B). In one embodiment, the composition has uie structure according to Formula XTV: Formula XIV: P X Q OOsr-(CH2)— CH—R*—B Z where all variables are as defined above, and R* is a linking moiety formed by the reaction of R with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; and B is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising the product of die reaction of the compound of Formula V and a biologically-active compound or a precursor thereof. In one embodiment, the composition has the structure according to Formula XV: Formula XV: -COS(CH2)5-CH R* B S^S where all variables are as defined above, R* is a linking moiety formed by the reaction of R with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; and 8 is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In yet another embodiment, the composition has the structure according to Formula XX or XXI: Formula XX: ClZ Formula XXI: -xcw,cw, z where alt variables are as defined above, each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to C? alkyl, R* is a linking moiety formed by the reaction of R with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound, B, or precursor thereof; R** is a linking moiety formed by the reaction of R" orR' , with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound, B', or precursor thereof; and B and B' are, independently, a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In some embodiments, B and B' are the same type of biologically-active compound. In other embodiments, B and B; are different biologically-active compounds. In still other embodiments, B and B' are the same biologically active molecule. In additional embodiments, R* and R** are the same. In other embodiments, R* and R** are different. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising the product of the reaction of the compound Formula VI and a biologically-active compound or a precursor thereof. In one embodiment, the composition has the structure according to Formula XVI: Formula XVI: Z (L)d (Y)E— p—x- where all variables are as defined above, R* is a linking moiety formed by the reaction of R with a reactive moiety on me biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; and B is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising the product of the reaction of the compound of Formula VII and a biologically-active compound or a precursor thereof. In one embodiment, the composition has the structure according to Formula XVII: Formula XVII: Z ,B where all variables are as defined above, R* is a linking moiety formed by the reaction of R with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; and B is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising the product of the reaction of the compound of Formula VIII and a biologically-active compound or a precursor thereof. In one embodiment, the composition has the structure according to Formula XVIII: Formula XVffl: 0 B where all variables are as defined above, R* is a linking moiety formed by me reaction of R with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; and B is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising the product of the reaction of the compound of Formula IX and a biologically-active compound or a precursor thereof. In one embodiment, the composition has the structure according to Formula XIX: Formula XDC: I -jj—(CH2)u O (CH2)n—CH—R* .- where all variables are as defined above, R* is a linking moiety formed by the reaction of R with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; and B is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising the product of the reaction of the compound of Formula X and a biologically-active compound or a precursor thereof. In one embodiment, the composition has the structure according to Formula XXII: Formula XXII: P - X - (CH2)n - CH— R* - B where all variables are as defined above, R* is a linking moiety formed by the reaction of R with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; and B is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In another embodiment, the composition has the structure the structure according to Formula XXIV: Formula XXIV: B1—I J where all variables are as defined above, each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Ci to C? alkyl. R* is a linking moiety formed by the reaction of R with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound, B, or precursor thereof, R** is a Unking moiety formed by the reaction of R" with a reactive moiety on the biologically-active compound, B', or precursor thereof; and B and B' are, independently, a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. In some embodiments, B and B' are the same type of biologically-active compound. In other embodiments, B and B' are different biologically-active compounds, hi still other embodiments, B and B' are the same biologically active molecule. In additional embodiments, R* and R** are the same. In other embodiments, R* and R** are different In other embodiments, the composition has the structure according to Formula XXV: Formula XXV: B._R«_CH— (CHA — X— CWjCWj - (0-CH,CH2)i— X — We claim: 1. A compound having the structure according to Formula I: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR', or NR'; or a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsaturated alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl. heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; Tl and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl. thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonale, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R', Z and Z1 is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; Each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R is -R*-B or a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula I and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; R* is a linking moiety B is a biologically-active molecule; m is 0 or 1; d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and p is 1, 2, or 3. 2. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula X: (Formula Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X and Y are independently O, S, CO, C02, COS, SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR', or NR'; (Formula Removed) ,or a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, ami no, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; T1 and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R1, Z and Z' is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula I and a biological ly-active compound or precursor thereof; m is 0 or 1; d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and p is 1,2, or 3. 3. The compound as claimed in claim 2, wherein R is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 4. The compound as claimed in claim 2, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen or a straight- or branched-chain C] to C20 alkyl group and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 5. The compound as claimed in claim 4, wherein E is methyl. 6. The compound as claimed in claim 2, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, or a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 7. The compound as claimed in claim 6, wherein E is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 8. The compound as claimed in claim 6, wherein E has the structure according to Formula III: (Structure Removed) wherein X and Y are independently O, S, CO, C02, COS, SO, S02, CONR", SO2NR", or NR', Q is a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C, to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R' and Z are each independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain. saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C, to C7 alkyl; m is 0 or 1; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 9. The compound as claimed in claim 6 wherein E has the structure according to Formula IV: (Structure Removed) twherein X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS. SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR', or NR'; R' and Z are each independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 10. The compound as claimed in claim 8, wherein R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 11. The compound as claimed in claim 9, wherein R"' is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl,acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 12. The compound as claimed in claim 6, wherein E is a detectable label. 13. The compound as claimed in claim 12, wherein E is selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, and quantum dots. 14. The compound as claimed in claim 2 wherein Q. is substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl. 15. The compound as claimed in claim 2, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula Xa: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR', or NR'; Q is or a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C| to C2o saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; T1 and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula Xa and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; m is 0 or 1; d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; and each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. 16. The compound as claimed in claim 15, wherein R is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleirnide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 17. The compound as claimed in claim 15, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain Q to C20 alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 18. The compound as claimed in claim 17, wherein E is methyl. 19. The compound as claimed in claim 15, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, or a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 20. The compound as claimed in claim 19, wherein E is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine,iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N- succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 21. The compound as claimed in claim 19, wherein E has the structure according to Formula III: (Structure Removed) wherein X and Y are independently 0. S. CO, C02, COS, SO, S02, CONR', S02NR', orNR'; Q is a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, ihiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phospln'nate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl. sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branuhed-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group. C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, Ihiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula Xa and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; m is 0 or 1; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 22. The compound as claimed in claim 19, wherein E has the structure according to Formula IV: (Structure Removed) wherein X is independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO.,, CONR1, SO2NR', or NR'; each R' and Z are independently hydrogen, a straight- or brauehed-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or hcteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, iliioearbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moieiy, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C, to C7 alkyl; n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and R"' is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 23. The compound as claimed in claim 21, wherein R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleiinide. sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 24. The compound as claimed in claim 22, wherein R"' is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maL-irnide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 25. The compound as claimed in claim 19, wherein E is a detectable label. 26. The compound as claimed in claim 25, wherein E is selected from ilie group consisting ofradioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, and quantum dots. 27. The compound as claimed in claim 15 wherein Q is a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl. 28. The compound as claimed in claim 15, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula V: (Structure Removed) wherein P, X, Y, Tl, T2, L, Z, m, n, and d are, independent !y, as defined. 29. The compound as claimed in claim 28, wherein R is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridtue, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maidinkl, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N- succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and ulyoxal. 30. The compound as claimed in claim 28, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen or a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 31. The compound as claimed in claim 30, wherein E is methyl. 32. The compound as claimed in claim 28, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, or a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 33. The compound as claimed in claim 32, wherein E is chosen from ihe group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N- succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 34. The compound as claimed in claim 32, wherein E has the structure acev .ing 10 Formula III: (Structure Removed) wherein X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CO SO2NR', or NR'; Q is a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl. or bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic hetero:, heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryi unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl; thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, ; amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamide, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulll, and alkylthio; each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryi group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfoamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C, to Cy alkyi: m is 0 or 1; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between tin-biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 35. The compound as claimed in claim 32, wherein E has the structure according to Formula IV; (Structure Removed) wherein X is independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR', or NR'; each R' and Z are independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and R"' is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 36. The compound as claimed in claim 34, wherein R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 37. The compound as claimed in claim 35, wherein R'" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N- succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 38. The compound as claimed in claim 32 wherein E is a detectable label. 39. The compound as claimed in claim 38 wherein E is selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, and quantum dots. 40. The compound as claimed in claim 28 wherein X and Y, if present, are oxygen. 41. The compound as claimed in claim 28, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula VI: (Structure Removed) wherein P, X, Y, L, m, n and d are as defined; T1 and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group; and each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group. 42. The compound as claimed in claim 41, wherein said compound has the structure according to formula VII: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; Z is a hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. 43. The compound as claimed in claim 42, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula VIII: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer and n is an integer from 1 to 5. 44. The compound as claimed in claim 43, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 45. The compound as claimed in claim 43, wherein the ring substituents are located in a meta or para arrangement. 46. The compound as claimed in claim 41, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula IX: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; each n and u are, independently, zero or an integer from one to five; and Z is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group. 47. The compound as claimed in claim 46, wherein the ring substituents are located in the meta or para arrangement. 48. The compound as claimed in claim 46, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 49. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula XIV: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR1, or NR"; Q is a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; Tl and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido,amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R', Z and Z' is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R* is a linking moiety B is a biologically-active molecule; m is 0 or 1; d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and p is 1, 2, or 3. 50. The compound as claimed in claim 49, wherein R* is formed from the reaction of a moiety selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, ally!, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 51. The compound as claimed in claim 49, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen or a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 52. The compound as claimed in claim 51, wherein E is methyl. 53. The compound as claimed in claim 49, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, or a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 54. The compound as claimed in claim 53, wherein E forms a bond to a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof other than B. 55. The compound as claimed in claim 53, wherein E forms an additional bond to the biologically-active compound B. 56. The compound as claimed in claim 53, wherein E is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N- succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 57. The compound as claimed in claim 53, wherein E has the structure according to Formula III: (Structure Removed) wherein X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR',orNR'; Q is a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R' and Z are each independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; m is 0 or 1; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 58. The compound as claimed in claim 53 wherein E has the structure according to Formula IV: (Structure Removed) wherein X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR',orNR'; R' and Z are each independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 59. The compound as claimed in claim 57, wherein R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, aery late, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 60. The compound as claimed in claim 58, wherein R'" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 61. The compound as claimed in claim 53, wherein E is a detectable label. 62. The compound as claimed in claim 61, wherein E is selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, and quantum dots. 63. The compound as claimed in claim 49 wherein Q is substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl. 64. The compound as claimed in claim 49, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula XlVa: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR', or NR'; Q is a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; Tl and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R* is a linking moiety B is a biologically-active molecule; m is 0 or 1; d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; each n is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 5; and p is 1, 2, or 3. 65. The compound as claimed in claim 65, wherein R* is formed from the reaction of a moiety selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 66. The compound as claimed in claim 64, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 67. The compound as claimed in claim 66, wherein E is methyl. 68. The compound as claimed in claim 64, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 69. The compound as claimed in claim 68, wherein E forms a bond to a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof other than B. 70. The compound as claimed in claim 68, wherein E forms an additional bond to the biologically-active compound B. 71. The compound as claimed in claim 68 wherein E is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo- N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 72. The compound as claimed in claim 68 wherein E has the structure according to Formula III: (Structure Removed) wherein each Q, X, Y, Z, m, and n are, independently as defined; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 73. The compound as claimed in claim 68, wherein E has the structure according to Formula IV: (Structure Removed) wherein X, Z and n are as defined; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 74. The compound as claimed in claim 72, wherein R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 75. The compound as claimed in claim 73, wherein R'" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 76. The compound as claimed in claim 68, wherein E is a detectable label. 77. The compound as claimed in claim 76, wherein E is selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, and quantum dots. 78. The compound as claimed in claim 64 wherein Q is a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl. 79. The compound as claimed in claim 64, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula XV: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer; X and Y are independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO2, CONR', SO2NR', or NR; T1 and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected frbm the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro/azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; R* is a linking moiety; B is a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof; m is 0 or 1; d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. 80. The compound as claimed in claim 79, wherein R* is formed from the reaction of a moiety selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protectedamine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl,and glyoxal with a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 81. The compound as claimed in claim 79, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 82. The compound as claimed in claim 81, wherein E is methyl. 83. The compound as claimed in claim 79, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C2o alkyl group, or a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 84. The compound as claimed in claim 83, wherein E forms a bond to a biologically-active compound, or precursor thereof other than B. 85. The compound as claimed in claim 83, wherein E forms an additional bond to the biologically-active compound B. 86. The compound as claimed in claim 83 wherein E is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo- N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 87. The compound as claimed in claim 83 wherein E has the structure according to Formula III: (Structure Removed) wherein Q. is a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each X, Y, Z, m, and n are, independently as defined; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 88. The compound as claimed in claim 83, wherein E has the structure according to Formula IV: (Structure Removed) wherein X, Z and n are as defined; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a Q to C7 alkyl; and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 89. The compound as claimed in claim 87, wherein R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N- succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 90. The compound as claimed in claim 88, wherein R'" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 91. The compound as claimed in claim 81 wherein E is a detectable label. 92. The compound as claimed in claim 91 wherein E is selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, and quantum dots. 93. The compound as claimed in claim 79, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula XVII: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, Z is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated Ci to Cao alkyl or heteroalkyl group; R* is a linking moiety; 8 is a biologically-active molecule; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. 94. The compound as claimed in claim 109, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula XVII: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, R* is a linking moiety; B is a biologically-active molecule; and n is one or two. 95. The compound as claimed in claims 93 or 94, wherein P is a polyethylene glycol having the structure of Formula II: (Structure Removed) wherein E is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain C1 to C20 alkyl group, a detectable label; and a is an integer from 4 to 10,000. 96. The compound as claimed in claim 95, wherein E is methyl. 97. The compound as claimed in claim 95 wherein E is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 98. The compound as claimed in claim 95 wherein E has the structure according to Formula III: (Structure Removed) wherein Q is a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl, or cyclic heteroalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, fused bicyclic heteroalkyl, or bridged bicyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonamide sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, sulfamoyl, sulfonate, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each X, Y, Z, m, and n are, independently as defined; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; and R" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula III and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 99. The compound as claimed in claim 95, wherein E has the structure according to Formula IV: (Structure Removed) wherein X, Z and n are as defined; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl; and R'" is a moiety suitable for forming a bond between the compound of Formula IV and a biologically-active compound or precursor thereof. 100. The compound as claimed in claim 98 wherein R" is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N-succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 101. The compound as claimed in claim 99, wherein R"' is chosen from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, ester, aldehyde, aldehyde hydrate, acetal, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, carbonate, alkenyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, substituted or unsubstituted thiol, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted amine, protected amine, hydrazide, protected hydrazide, succinimidyl, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, dithiopyridine, vinylpyridine, iodoacetamide, epoxide, hydroxysuccinimidyl, azole, maleimide, sulfone, allyl, vinylsulfone, tresyl, sulfo-N- succinimidyl, dione, mesyl, tosyl, and glyoxal. 102. The compound as claimed in claim 95 wherein E is a detectable label. 103. The compound as claimed in claim 102 wherein E is selected from the group consisting of radioactive isotopes, fluorescent moieties, phosphorescent moieties, chemiluminescent moieties, and quantum dots. 104. The compound as claimed in claim 49, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula XIX: (Structure Removed) wherein P is a polyalkylene glycol polymer, each n and u are, independently, zero or an integer from one to five; Z is hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group; R* is a linking moiety; and B is a biologically-active molecule. 105. The compound as claimed in claim 49, wherein said compound has the structure according to Formula XX: (Structure Removed) wherein each X and Y is independently O, S, CO, CO2, COS, SO, SO2) CONR', SO2NR', or NR'; T1 and T2 are, independently, absent, or a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group; each R' and Z is independently hydrogen, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group; each L is, independently, a straight- or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C20 alkyl or heteroalkyl group, C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyl or cyclic heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; Q is a C3 to C8 saturated or unsaturated cyclic alkyla or cyclic heteroalkyl (including fused bicyclic and bridged bicyclic ring structures), a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or, heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl wherein the alkyl is a C1 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alky! or heteroalkaryl group, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, ester, formyl, acyl, thiocarbonyl, thioester, thioacetate, thioformate, alkoxyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, amido, amidine, imine, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aromatic moiety, heteroaromatic moiety, imino, silyl, ether, and alkylthio; each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl R* and R** are independently linking moieties; B and B1 are independently biologically-active molecules; m is 0 or 1; d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; a is an integer from 4 to 10,000; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. 106. The compound as claimed in claim 105, wherein B and B' are the same biologically-active molecule. each W is, independently, hydrogen or a C1 to C7 alkyl R* and R** are independently a linking moiety; B and B1 are independently a biologically-active molecule; m is 0 or 1; d is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; a is an integer from 4 to 10,000; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 5. 109. The compound as claimed in claim 108, wherein B and B' are the same biologically-active molecule. 110. The compound as claimed in claim 108, wherein B and B' are different biologically-active molecules. 111. The compound as claimed in claims 49 to 110, wherein R* is methylene and B is a biologically-active molecule attached via an amine. 112. The compound as claimed in claims 49 to 110, wherein B is a peptide. 113. The compound as claimed in claims 49 to 110, wherein B is interferon. 114. The compound as claimed in claims 49 to 110, wherein B is interferon-beta. 115. The compound as claimed in claims 49 to 110, wherein B is interferon-beta-la. 116. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound as claimed in claim 115, where said composition is 30 µg/ml and includes an arginine buffer. 117. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound as claimed herein above and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Documents:

6570-delnp-2006-abstract.pdf

6570-delnp-2006-Assignment-(08-06-2012).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-Assignment-(21-04-2011).pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Claims-(06-09-2011).pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Claims-(08-10-2012).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-claims.pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(06-09-2011)..pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(06-09-2011).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(08-06-2012).pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(12-09-2011).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(13-06-2012).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(27-06-2012).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(30-07-2012).pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Correspondence-Others-(07-03-2011).pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Correspondence-Others-(08-10-2012).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-Correspondence-Others-(21-04-2011).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-Correspondence-Others-(27-06-2013).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-correspondence-others-1.pdf

6570-delnp-2006-correspondence-others.pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Description (Complete)-(06-09-2011).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-description (complete).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-drawings.pdf

6570-delnp-2006-form-1.pdf

6570-delnp-2006-form-18.pdf

6570-delnp-2006-form-2.pdf

6570-delnp-2006-form-26.pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Form-3-(07-03-2011).pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Form-3-(12-09-2011).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-GPA-(08-06-2012).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-GPA-(13-06-2012).pdf

6570-delnp-2006-pct-409.pdf

6570-delnp-2006-pct-search report.pdf

6570-delnp-2006-Petition Others-(27-06-2012).pdf

6570-DELNP-2006-Petition-137-(06-09-2011).pdf