Scientific work is based on the use of cyclic peptides, which are compounds that can bind to various target molecules. However, their use as oral drugs is complicated by the fact that they are quickly digested or poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.

To stabilize cyclic peptides, a two-step combinatorial synthesis strategy was used, allowing the synthesis of an extensive library of 8448 cyclic peptides with thioester linkages, which increase their metabolic stability when administered orally. First, a ring structure or ring is created, after which the peptide undergoes acylation or the introduction of an acyl compound residue.

Experiments showed that the oral availability of cyclic peptides increased from 2 to 18 percent. In the next phase of this project, the scientists plan to target certain intracellular protein-protein interactions for which it has been difficult to develop inhibitors based on classical small molecules.