Rapamycin (Ay-22,989), a New Antifungal Antibiotic. II. Fermentation, Isolation and Characterization

Abstract

Rapamycin is a new antifungal antibiotic produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus NRRL 5491. It was isolated from the mycelium by solvent extraction, purified by silica gel column chromatography and crystallized as a colorless solid which melts at 183-185°C and has the empirical formula C56H89NO14. From its characteristic ultraviolet absorption spectrum rapamycin can be classified as a triene. It is highly active against various Candida species, especially Candida albicans. Its activity is compared with that of amphotericin B, candicidin and nystatin. © 1975, JAPAN ANTIBIOTICS RESEARCH ASSOCIATION. All rights reserved.