New methods for the synthesis of stable cyclic peptides

This proposal will develop new ways to form cyclic peptides using benign, highly efficient metal-catalysed reactions. Specially selected catalysts, reaction sequences and designer amino acids will be exploited to achieve this aim. Cyclic peptides are not uncommon in Nature and often possess impressive biological activity which can be exploited by the pharmaceutical industry. Unmodified cyclic peptides, however, are often unstable in the body and must also be administered by non-oral routes. This project will develop novel carbon-based cyclic peptides possessing superior pharmaceutical properties for the treatment of cancer, malaria, obesity and diabetes. All of these are areas of unmet medical need.