| abstract |
Compounds of formula (I): <IMAGE> (in which R<1> and R<2>, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group and R<3> represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, provided that, where R<1> represents a hydrogen atom, R<2> and R<3> cannot simultaneously be hydrogen atoms and R<2> cannot be a a- methylbutyryl group) inhibit the biosynthesis of cholesterol and hence can be used for the treatment of disorders resulting from high cholesterol levels. The compounds of the invention can be prepared by acylation of corresponding compounds where one or both of R<1> and R<2> represents a hydrogen atom and these may, in turn, be prepared by cultivation of microoorganisms of the genus Monascus. |