University of California

Vibhakar J Shah

Irwin D Kuntz

George Lommel Kenyon

The present invention provides novel nucleic acid mimics (termed 'PENAMs') comprising a peptidic backbone and nucleotidic sidechains; the sidechains being oriented in such a way that the PENAM is homomorphous to target nucleic acids with which it can effectively hydrogen bond. Homomorphism is achieved by the incorporation of unusual sterochemical centers, including D-chiral centers and quasi-chiral centers, into the peptidic backbone. The PENAMs are useful for targeting nucleic acid sequences in order to modulate their activity in an 'antisense' manner. Targeting can also be used to detect, isolate or modify target nucleic acids.

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San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Vibhakar J Shah