A semisynthetic form of taxol is the anticancer compound Taxotere, a patented taxol analogue that has a tert-butoxycarbonyl group instead of the benzoyl group on the taxol side cahin and a hydroxyl group instead of the acetoyl group on the taxol B ring.
Taxotere is synthesized from the precursor 10-deactylbaccatin III, which is isolated from the needles of the European yew tree taxus baccata. Because the tree continues growing after the branches providing needles have been harvested, this type of yew tree provides a renewable source of the precursor.
Taxotere is not currently marketed in any country, although regulatory approvals by the relevant health authorities have been given. Side effects such as hair loss, mouth sores, and low white blood cell count reduce its popularity, but it was approved by the FDA regardless. Currently, the leading company in the development of Taxotere as an anti-cancer drug is Rhone-Poulenc Rorer. According to Jean-Louse Fabre, project leader for Taxotere at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer industrial-scale production of Taxotere has begun.
Taxotere is considered to have certain advantages over taxol. First, it is easier to administer to cancer patients because it is more soluble in water. It has a shorter infusion time, requires no in-line filter, and can be used with standard plastic equipment. Taxotere also appears to be more potent than taxol against a variety of murine solid tumors. A recent Phase II study reported the highest antitumor activity ever against patients with advanced breast cancer.
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