Total synthesis of the marine natural product (+)-discodermolide in multigram quantities
The novel polyketide (+)-discodermolide was isolated in very small quantities from sponge extracts. This compound is one of several microtubule stabilizers showing promise as novel chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. The clinical evaluation of this and similar compounds is hampered by lack of material, and at present, the only way to obtain the necessary quantities is total chemical synthesis.