Merck

Last updated January 31, 2026

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Cyclic peptide binding scaffolds: MerckRecent Research Landscape

Linear peptides suffer from rapid proteolytic degradation and poor binding affinity, which is mitigated by engineering macrocyclic structural constraints. This stabilization enables high-specificity targeting of TNF receptors and granzyme B for therapeutic and diagnostic precision.

What technical problems is Merck addressing in Cyclic peptide binding scaffolds?

Proinflammatory cytokine overactivity

(12)evidences

Excessive signaling of Interleukin-1 beta leads to chronic inflammatory pathologies and tissue damage. Neutralizing this specific protein prevents systemic immune dysregulation.

Pathological receptor overactivation

(4)evidences

Excessive signaling through the TNF receptor 1 pathway leads to chronic inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies. Restricting this specific receptor activity prevents tissue damage and systemic inflammation.