| abstract |
A process for the fermentation and isolation of compounds (I) and (II), members of the ansamycin benzoquinone antibiotics family, having formulae (I) and (II), as well as the chemical synthesis of compound (II) from coumpound (I) are disclosed in the present invention. The compounds of the present invention are useful against proliferative disorders including, but not limited to, cancer in mammals, especially humans. The compounds of the present invention are also expected to be useful against certain microorganisms, and have utility as immunosuppressive agents against autoimmune diseases. |