Nucleoside Mimetics Library

ChemDiv’s Nucleoside Mimetics Library contains 2,600 compounds.

Modified nucleosides serve as effective therapeutic compounds and are currently in use for the treatment of cancer, viral infections, and bacterial infections. A diverse array of the modified nucleosides demonstrates potency and selective efficacy against those diseases. Synthetic variants, including acyclic, carbocyclic, and C-nucleosides, as well as modified N-nucleosides, were shown to provide significant effectiveness against some disorders such as AIDS, viral hepatitis, and herpes infections.

A significant number of synthetically modified nucleosides have been designed as antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV infection. In retroviral infection, viral RNA is utilized as a template for proviral DNA synthesis, a process mediated by the virus's DNA polymerase, more commonly known as reverse transcriptase. The proposed mechanism of action for modified agents, such as AZT, during viral infection involves interrupting the viral replication process. This interruption occurs in the interactions between the virus and host, particularly by inhibiting replication within T cells, monocytes, and macrophages [1].

By mimicking the structure of natural nucleosides, nucleoside mimetic compounds can selectively target and inhibit viral and cellular enzymes, making them particularly effective in antiviral and anticancer therapies. Their versatility and specificity offer a promising avenue for the development of new drugs with improved efficacy and reduced resistance, addressing critical needs in the treatment of diseases like HIV, hepatitis, and various forms of cancer.

[1] G. Amaral et al., Synthesis and Characterization of Glycosides. (2007). doi:10.1007/978-0-387-70792-1