Paclitaxel from primary taxanes: a perspective on creative invention in organozirconium chemistry.
In this Perspective, which describes the achievements recognized by the 2007 ACS Award for Creative Invention, we discuss the discovery of a new synthetic reaction and its translation into a substantially improved method for manufacturing a major pharmaceutical product--the blockbuster anticancer drug, paclitaxel. The role of creativity in the discovery and invention processes is also discussed. As is often the case, chance discovery and serendipitous findings played a role in the evolution of this work. Translation of the basic research into a commercially viable paclitaxel semisynthesis is also described. The final manufacturing process illustrates the enormous impact that the globalization of markets has had on chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Ganem
Bruce
B
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, USA. bg18@cornell.edu
Franke
Roland R
RR
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D043823:Taxoids / Q000737:chemistry*; D015040:Zirconium / Q000737:chemistry*
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D043823:Taxoids; D015040:Zirconium; D017239:Paclitaxel