Christoph Nitsche’s research group at RSC have developed a new method to synthesise bicyclic peptides, "with major implications for future research into drug treatments for a range of diseases including cancer, viruses and bacterial infections." The pretzel shape of the bicyclic peptides allows them to attach to specific proteins which have immense potential for use in targeted pharmaceutical treatments. The group has overcome a big roadblock in getting the bicyclic peptides to bond in specific locations to get the desired pretzel shape.

"Unlike previous methods, we have been able to take a natural peptide sequence and add the three amino acid building blocks on the peptide where we want the bonds to form in water, meaning we can now control the final product" - Christoph Nitsche.

Read the full article at ANU Newsroom