GlycoMimetics is focused on discovering and developing novel medicines based on an understanding of the role carbohydrates play in important biological processes.  Almost all human proteins that are expressed within the cell are modified by the post-translational addition of complex carbohydrates to the protein surface. Many of these carbohydrate structures affect the functions of these proteins and their interactions with other molecules.  One of the keys to understanding many complex biological interactions, therefore, is to understand the functional role that is played by specific carbohydrates. This field of study is known as glycobiology, and some in the field have recently coined the terms "glycome" and "glycomics" to refer to the complete set of carbohydrates within a given cell and to the analysis of those carbohydrates.

The structures of carbohydrates account for much of the complexity and functionality of proteins and protein activity.  Many cell surface complexes contain carbohydrates, which extend much further out from the cell surface than the protein layer.  These carbohydrates possess structural information that is used in many recognition events among cells, pathogens, toxins, regulatory proteins, enzymes, antibodies, adhesion molecules, and receptors on other cells.  Carbohydrate-mediated interactions are complex, and glycobiologists are now beginning to define the roles played by carbohydrates in some of the key biological processes that are relevant to various diseases.  Defining the roles played by specific carbohydrates will enable the design of specific molecules that can act on these biological processes.

The term "glycomimetics" refers to molecules that mimic the structure and activity of carbohydrates.  It is important to note that GlycoMimetics is discovering and developing compounds that are mimetics of carbohydrates (glycomimetics), and not natural carbohydrates.  Our products are rationally designed to function more like traditional therapeutics, exhibiting good bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, and to enhance the key biological activity over the native carbohydrate structures. Some of the potential applications of carbohydrate mimics include the following: 1) to inhibit the activity of certain proteins or cells by blocking or otherwise preventing binding events; 2) to induce a biological process by mimicking a binding event; or 3) to target therapies through carbohydrate ligands.