In the last few years macrocyclic peptides have emerged as a better class of lead candidates for inhibition of protein-protein interactions with respect to conventional small molecules. The IRBM peptide chemistry team collaborated with the teams at Merck & co. and RaPharma to develop potent macrocyclic peptide inhibitors of PCSK9 a key regulator of plasma LDL-cholesterol.

IRBM used liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry to explore different methods for the study of catabolism (breakdown) which is a key driver in the design of more stable peptides.