How is paclitaxel synthesized?

The semisynthesis consists of conversion of the amide group to an amine with Schwartz’s reagent through an imine followed by acidic workup and a benzoylation. In the production process Michigan grown yews which mature in 8 years are periodically topped and dried.

Where is Taxol synthesized?

Ecologically, the problem with Taxol is that it is produced from a resource that is rapidly being depleted. It is extracted from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, a slow growing tree native of the pacific north west. It takes an average of six, one hundred year old trees to treat each patient.

Has Taxol been synthesized?

For all these reasons, the growing demand for taxol greatly exceeds the supply that can be sustained by isolation from its natural source and alternative sources of the drug are being sought. Although taxol has been prepared by total synthesis, the process is not commercially viable.

What cell structure does Taxol target?

Taxol is a mitotic inhibitor: It targets rapidly growing cancer cells by getting inside them and attaching to the scaffold-like structures of the cells called microtubules. In this way, the drug prevents cancer cells from dividing.

What cancers does taxol treat?

Today, Taxol is on the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines as a cytotoxic drug that kills cancer cells. It is used to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma.

How many rings are in taxol?

The Taxol Skeleton The taxol backbone consists of an eight membered ring , a six membered ring and a four membered ring . Attached to these rings are several functional groups including and OH group, two benzoyl groups, an acetyl group and an oxetane ring.

What cell structure does taxol target?

What process does paclitaxel prevent?

Unlike other tubulin-binding anticancer drugs, which prevent the assembly of tubulin into microtubules, paclitaxel promotes the assembly of tubulin into microtubules and prevents the dissociation of microtubules, blocking cell cycle progression, preventing mitosis, and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells [2].

Is paclitaxel a taxane?

Drug Type: Paclitaxel is an anti-cancer (“antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic”) chemotherapy drug. Paclitaxel is classified as a “plant alkaloid,” a “taxane” and an “antimicrotubule agent.” (For more detail, see “How Paclitaxel Works” section below).