Oligonucleotides: The Next Big Challenge for Analytical Science

With the rapid growth of interest in oligonucleotides as therapeutic medicines, the Chromatographic Society recently held at a two day symposium, from 27 – 28th October 2010, on the challenge of analysing these molecules. The venue was the
very comfortable GlaxoSmithKline Amenities Centre, Ware, UK. The presentations, stretching over two information packed days, included talks from Pharma companies, CROs, academic institutions and instrument and column vendors. Whilst the
majority of presentations focussed on the chromatographic separation of oligonucleotides for various applications, there were also some very useful overview talks, putting this type of therapeutic into context, as well as a presentations on NMR characterisation and the challenge of delivering these molecules to the target cells in the body.