Method to make unusual oligonucleotides could be a boon for gene therapy drugs

A concept art showing a stylised DNA strand with the base pairs shown as colourful sticks

Source: © Science Photo Library

Synthesis can insert unusual linkages into DNA molecules while rivalling industry standard chemistry in speed and efficiency

A phosphorus(v) reagent system developed by US scientists can compete with the industry-standard phosphorus(iii) for making oligonucleotide drugs, but offers chemists completely new possibilities for the types of molecules they can make.