Pharmacyclics other research news

PCYC researchers and collaborators reported at the American Chemical Society meeting in Orlando, Fla., that they have developed a method of making novel ribozyme analogs. Using texaphyrin-oligonucleotide conjugates, the researchers produced molecules that mimic the action of ribozymes, catalytically cleaving RNA at specific sites.

Texaphyrins are expanded porphyrins, small, ring-shaped molecules which bind metals, transport ions and transfer energy. Texaphyrins have an enlarged binding ring permitting the stable binding of a wide range of metal atoms, including dysprosium (III), a metal that is capable of cleaving RNA. ...