Novel oligomers, and synthesis thereof, comprising one or more bi-, tri, or
polycyclic nucleoside analogues are disclosed herein. The nucleoside analogues
have a "locked" structure, termed Locked Nucleoside
Analogues (LNA). LNA's exhibit highly desirable and useful
properties. LNA's are capable of forming nucleobase specific duplexes and triplexes
with single and double stranded nucleic acids. These complexes exhibit higher thermostability
than the corresponding complexes formed with normal nucleic acids. The properties
of LNA's allow for a wide range of uses such as diagnostic agents and therapeutic
agents in a mammal suffering from or susceptible to, various diseases.