BE-14106

Recently, scientists at NTNU and SINTEF have isolated a new producer of the cytotoxic macrolactam BE-14106, originally described in 1992, from marine sediments. In collaboration with the University of Bergen and University of Uppsala, the compound was tested on several cancer and normal cell lines, and proved to have a good selectivity profile. However, the compound has very low aqueous solubility, making it inefficient in animal cancer model. New analogues with improved solubility may provide leads for development of an anti-cancer drug based on BE-14106, and Biosergen’s experience from the anti-fungal project can be utilized also here.

Cloning and comprehensive analysis of the BE-14106 gene cluster has followed, resulting in a model for the biosynthesis of this compound. Importantly, it has been demonstrated that genetic manipulation of the pathway is possible, leading to generation of BE-14106 analogues. Currently, the BE-14106 gene cluster has been licensed to Biosergen AS and the company is generating novel analogues both by means of biosynthetic engineering and chemical synthesis.