Side chain SAR of bicyclic beta-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs). 1. Discovery of a class C BLI for combination with imipinem

Bridged monobactam beta-lactamase inhibitors were prepared and evaluated as potential partners for combination with imipenem to overcome class C beta-lactamase mediated resistance. The (S)-azepine analog 2 was found to be effective in both in vitro and in vivo assays and was selected for preclinical development.

Production of a family of kinase-inhibiting lactones from fungal fermentations

During the course of our screening for natural products from fungi, extracts of several cultures were found to make a family of related resorcylic acid lactone compounds, which are potent inhibitors of MEK kinase. Comparative and empirical studies of fermentation conditions improved the titers of the compounds of interest. Striking changes in the ratios and amounts of the major and minor compounds in some cases were achieved by manipulations of media composition.

L-741,494, a fungal metabolite that is an inhibitor of interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme

gamma-Pyrone-3-acetic acid (L-741,494) is a novel metabolite produced by a culture of the fungal genus Xylaria. This substance is a water-soluble, competitive, irreversible inhibitor of Interleukin-1 beta Converting Enzyme that is inactive against papain and trypsin. It has a mol wt of 154 and an empirical formula of C7H6O4. We propose the name xylaric acid for this compound.