Scientists can create new nucleoside analogues significantly quicker than earlier methods

Scientists can create new nucleoside analogues significantly quicker than earlier methods, with a state-of-the-art process; thus, opening the way for speedier drug discoveries, thanks to researchers from the Simon Fraser University and their global team.

Scientists have used synthetic, human-made and nucleoside analogues for the past five decades to develop drug therapies for diseases involving viral reproduction of infected cells and the cell division. Now, scientists can generate new nucleoside analogues significantly earlier, by replacing naturally occurring carbohydrates typically used for synthesizing these sorts of medications. Furthermore, the team also used achiral materials to replace naturally derive chiral materials, due to them being more versatile and cheaper – the research was published in the journal Science.

Research led, Robert Britton, stated: “The reduction in time and cost of synthesis will vary depending on the individual nucleoside analogue, but we have examples where we cut a twenty-plus step synthesis, which takes several months to complete at the very least, down to 3 or 4 steps, which would only take a week or so. This is clearly a critical factor when it comes to treating newly evolved viruses like SARS-CoV-2. This entirely new approach builds in opportunities to diversify these drug scaffolds and should inspire new and unusual nucleoside analogue drug discoveries.”

Merck’s Head of Process Chemistry and Discovery Process Chemistry, Dr. Campeau, stated: “One of our priorities is identifying problems limiting the speed of drug discovery and development, especially regarding synthesizing custom nucleoside analogues. We are very excited to collaborate with Professor Britton in establishing new methods to access this therapeutically important class of molecules.”