The present invention is directed to novel oligonucleotides with improved antisense properties. The novel oligonucleotides comprise at least one Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) selected from beta-D-thio/amino-LNA or alpha-L-oxy/thio/amino-LNA. The oligonucleotides comprising LNA may also include DNA and/or RNA nucleotides. The present invention also provides a new class of pharmaceuticals which comprise antisense oligonucleotides and are useful in antisense therapy.