Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that certain &bgr;-L-dioxolane nucleoside analogs which contain a uracil base, and preferably, a 5-halosubstituted uracil base, exhibit unexpectedly high activity against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Varciella-Zoster virus (VZV) and Herpes Virus 8 (HV-8). In particular, the compounds according to the present invention show potent inhibition of the replication of the virus (viral growth) in combination with very low toxicity to the host cells (i.e., animal or human tissue). Compounds are useful for treating EBV, VZV and HV-8 infections in humans.

Abstract: The present invention provides covalent conjugates of topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II inhibitors. Such compounds have a structure according to formula I: TI—L—TII  (I) wherein: TI is a topoisomerase I inhibitor such as a camptothecin group; TII is a topoisomerase II inhibitor such as an amsacrine, ellipticine, epipodophyllotoxin, or anthracycline antibiotic group; and L is a linking group. The compounds are useful for inhibiting topoisomerase I and II enzymes, for promoting cellular differentiation, and for treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of (-)-(2S,4S)-1-(2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl) cytosine to treat psoriasis, genital warts and other hyperproliferative keratinocyte diseases such as hyperkeratosis, ichthyosis, keratoderma or lichen planus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that certain .beta.-L-dioxolane nucleoside analogs which contain a uracil base, and preferably, a 5-halosubstituted uracil base, exhibit unexpectedly high activity against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Varciella-Zoster virus (VZV) and Herpes Virus 8 (HV-8). In particular, the compounds according to the present invention show potent inhibition of the replication of the virus (viral growth) in combination with very low toxicity to the host cells (i.e., animal or human tissue). Compounds are useful for treating EBV, VZV and HV-8 infections in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for reducing toxicity associated with the administration of conventional "D" nucleoside compounds, including anti-HIV nucleosides and related therapeutic agents. Therapeutic methods which rely on conventional "D" nucleosides exhibit unexpectedly reduced toxicity when the methods include the co-administration of effective amounts of "L" nucleoside compounds. The method are particularly useful for the treatment of HIV infections and AIDS related symptoms in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the surprising discovery that certain dideoxynucleoside analogs which contain a dideoxy ribofuranosyl moiety having an L-configuration (as opposed to the naturally occurring D- configuration) exhibit unexpected activity against Hepatitis B virus (HBV). In particular, the compounds according to the present invention show potent inhibition of the replication of the virus in combination with very low toxicity to the host cells (i.e., animal or human tissue). Compounds according to the present invention exhibit primary utility as agents for inhibiting the growth or replication of HBV, HIV and other retroviruses, most preferably HBV.

Abstract: A process for the resolution of a racemic mixture of nucleoside enantiomers that includes the step of exposing the racemic mixture to an enzyme that preferentially catalyzes a reaction in one of the enantiomers. The nucleoside enantiomer (-)-2-hydroxymethyl-5-(5-fluorocytosin-1-yl)-1,3-oxathiolane is an effective antiviral agent against HIV, HBV, and other viruses replicating in a similar manner. In particular, deaminase, PPL, PLE and subtilisn are used to resolve 1,3-oxathiolane nucleoside enantiomers.

Abstract: (-)-(2S,4S)-1-(2-Hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)cytosine (also referred to as (-)-OddC) and its use to treat cancer in animals, including humans.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing an oligonucleotide by including a .beta.-L-2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-arabinofuranosyl nucleoside at the 5'-terminus, the 3'-terminus, or in the interior of the oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide can be used in the modulation of gene expression through a process wherein a synthetic oligonucleotide is hybridized to a complementary nucleic acid sequence to inhibit transcription or replication of DNA or to inhibit translation or processing of RNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that certain .beta.-L-dioxolane nucleoside analogs which contain a uracil base, and preferably, a 5-halosubstituted uracil base, exhibit unexpectedly high activity against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In particular, the compounds according to the present invention show potent inhibition of the replication of the virus (viral growth) in combination with very low toxicity to the host cells (i.e., animal or human tissue). Compounds are useful for treating EBV infections in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for reducing toxicity associated with the administration of conventional "D" nucleoside compounds, including anti-HIV nucleosides and related therapeutic agents. Therapeutic methods which rely on conventional "D" nucleosides exhibit unexpectedly reduced toxicity when the methods include the co-administration of effective amounts of "L" nucleoside compounds. The method are particularly useful for the treatment of HIV infections and AIDS related symptoms in humans.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides that include a 2'-fluoro .beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl nucleoside at the 3'-terminus, the 5'-terminus or in the interior of the oligomer. A preferred nucleoside is 2'-fluoro-5-methyl-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyluridine (also referred to as L-FMAU). This compound is a potent antiviral agent against HBV and EBV and exhibits low cytotoxicity. Other specific examples of active compounds include N.sub.1 -(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl)-5-ethyluracil, N.sub.1 -(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodocytosine), and N.sub.1 -(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil.

Abstract: A method of ascertaining if a prodrug is useful for treating a disease is disclosed. The prodrug is acceptable if it is metabolized in liver cells by aldehyde oxidase to produce an active drug or metabolite. Prodrugs are shown equally effective in treating diseases as the active drug itself with many benefits and without as many associated side effects. Methods for treating cancers with 5-iodo-2-pyrimidinone-deoxyribose and 5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinone are also described.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides having approximately 8 to 18 nucleotide units and a 3'-tail which includes asteroid structure attached to the 3'-end through the A ring of the steroid skeleton and which form substantially stable duplexes at physiological temperature, have selective cytotoxic activity against certain tumor cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the surprising discovery that certain dideoxynucleoside analogs which contain a dideoxy ribofuranosyl moiety having an L-configuration (as opposed to the naturally occurring D- configuration) exhibit unexpected activity against Hepatitis B virus (HBV). In particular, the compounds according to the present invention show potent inhibition of the replication of the virus in combination with very low toxicity to the host cells (i.e., animal or human tissue). Compounds according to the present invention exhibit primary utility as agents for inhibiting the growth or replication of HBV, HIV and other retroviruses, most preferably HBV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the surprising discovery that certain dideoxynucleoside analogs which contain a dideoxy ribofuranosyl moiety having an L-configuration (as opposed to the naturally occurring D-configuration) exhibit unexpected activity against Hepatitis B virus (HBV). In particular, the compounds according to the present invention show potent inhibition of the replication of the virus in combination with very low toxicity to the host cells (i.e., animal or human tissue). Compounds according to the present invention exhibit primary utility as agents for inhibiting the growth or replication of HBV, HIV and other retroviruses, most preferably HBV. The compound 1-(2,3-dideoxy-beta-L-ribofuranosyl)-5-fluorocytosine is shown to be a potent anti-HIV agent with low toxicity to host cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are derivatives of 4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5'6'-bimethylenedioxy 2,2'-dimethoxycarbonyl biphenyl (DDB) which were synthesized and found to have anti-HIV activity. Of the compounds studied, 3,3'-dibromo DDB and 3-bromo-DDB initially exhibited the greatest anti-HIV activity.

Abstract: A compound, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective mount to treat HBV or EBV of a compound, of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of 5-methyluracil, adenine and cytosine, and R' is hydrogen, acyl, or alkyl or a monophosphate, diphosphate or triphosphate ester, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a human infected with HBV that includes administering an HBV-treatment amount of an L-nucleoside of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of 5-methyluracil, adenine and cytosine, and R' is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl or a monophosphate, diphosphate or triphosphate ester, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a human infected with EBV that includes administering an EBV-treatment amount of an L-nucleoside of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is 5-methyluracil, and R' is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl or a monophosphate, diphosphate or triphosphate ester, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.