Biocatalytic synthesis of intermediates for the synthesis of chiral drug substances

There has been an increasing awareness of the enormous potential of microorganisms and enzymes for the transformation of synthetic chemicals with high chemo-, regio- and enantioselectivity. Chiral intermediates and fine chemicals are in high demand, both from the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries, for the preparation of bulk drug substances and agricultural products. Biocatalytic processes have been described for the synthesis of chiral intermediates for β3- and β2-receptor agonists, antihypertensive drugs, antiviral agents, melatonin receptor agonists, anticholesterol and anticancer drugs, and drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease. Chiral intermediates are in demand from the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Biocatalytic processes have been developed for the synthesis of key chiral intermediates, including antiviral agents, anticancer drugs and receptor agonists.