Novel structure may be target for HCV therapy
02 May 2002
RiboTargets, a structure-based drug discovery company that develops novel anti-infective and anti-cancer therapeutics, has, in co-operation with the Medical Research Council (MRC) elucidated the structure of an important element within the hepatitis C virus (HCV) internal ribosome entry site (IRES). The recently published data (Collier, A.J et al, Nature Structural Biology, May, 2002) indicates that an internal loop structure (loop IIIb) may provide an attractive target for the structure-based design of a novel anti-viral therapeutic.
This fundamental research has been conducted using expertise in structural biology and RiboTargets proprietary drug discovery engine, which allows drug candidates to be rapidly identified against both protein and nucleic acid targets using high throughput computer aided and experimental drug design. The structural biology undertaken employed a range of NMR spectrometers with resolution up to 800MHz. RiboTargets has developed world-class structure-based design capabilities that can elucidate protein and nucleic acid structures even in complex organelles such as the bacterial ribosome.
David Knowles, RiboTargets' CSO, commented, "We enjoy close links with the MRC and this announcement is the latest outcome of a fruitful and ongoing relationship. The work reported in this paper demonstrates the Company's commitment to structure based drug discovery."
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