University of Pennsylvania

Alison L Fisher

Barry S Cooperman

Amos B Smith, Iii

Ralph F Hirschmann

Paul A Sprengeler

Harvey Rubin

Paul Laub

Shrikumar Nair

Jerome Salem

Bari A Barwis

Setsuya Sasho

The invention relates to compositions which are useful for inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase enzymes, including the mammalian ribonucleotide reductase enzyme. The compositions include, but are not limited to, linear peptides, cyclic peptides, peptide analogs, and peptidomimetics. Methods of using the compositions of the invention to treat cancer and viral and bacterial infections are disclosed.

Peptides peptide analogs peptidomimetics and other small molecules

This invention relates to the ribonucleotide reductase of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf RR), to the subunits of Pf RR (Pf R1 and Pf R2), and to compounds comprising peptides derived from the Pf R2 C-terminus sequence that inhibit the action of protozoal RR. The invention provides a method for the prevention and treatment of malaria caused by P. falciparum by controlling the proliferation of P. falciparum comprising administering to a patient at least one peptide according to the invention. Antimalarial compositions are provided which comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one peptide according to the invention which inhibits the P. falciparum ribonucleotide reductase reduction of ribonucleotides to 2'-deoxyribonucleotides. Also provided are methods for diagnosing malaria and for screening potential antimalarial agents.

Plasmodium falciparum ribonucleotide reductase DNA

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Blue Bell, PA, United States of America

Alison L Fisher