The Upjohn Co.

Candice B Biggs

Merle G Wovcha

Thomas R Pyke

Mutant which is used in a novel microbiological process to selectively degrade steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to yield predominantly androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) and small amounts of androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD). AD is a valuable intermediate to make useful steroids.

Microorganism mutant conversion of sterols to androsta-4-ene-3,17-dione

Mycobacterium fortuitum mutant

Mutants which are used in a novel microbiological process to selectively degrade steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD). ADD and AD are valuable intermediates to make useful steroids.

Mycobacterium phlei mutants convert sterols to

Biologically pure culture of mutant mycobacterium

Mycobacterium fortuitum strain

Process for preparing androst-4-ene-3,17-dione

Process for preparing androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione and

Novel microbial transformation process to selectively convert steroids with or without 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to 3a.alpha.-H-4.alpha.-[3'-propionic acid]-7a.beta.-methylhexahydro-1,5-indanedione having the following structure: ##STR1## This compound can be used as an intermediate to make useful 19-nor steroids.

Process for microbial transformation of steroids

Microbial transformation of steroids

Growing community of inventors

Kalamazoo, MI, United States of America

Candice B Biggs