Calixsugars: Finally reaching their therapeutic potential?

Abstract

The synthesis and properties of members of the calixarene family functionalised with carbohydrates have been extensively investigated for the past 20 years. These calixsugars show great potential for applications in the fields of medicinal chemistry, drug and gene delivery, through their ability to bind to lectins and to inhibit enzymes. In this chapter, the current therapeutic status of calixsugars for a range of diseases is discussed, including in vivo evaluation. Applications in bacterial infections and cancer are covered, in addition to recent developments in their use as carrier molecules and vectors in gene therapy.