Stereoselective introduction of two chiral centers by a single diketoreductase: an efficient biocatalytic route for the synthesis of statin side chains

Abstract

Statins, including atorvastatin (Lipitor), are the top-selling drugs in the world. The biocatalytic production of chiral side chains of statin drugs is of great interest to academia and industry. Stereoselective double reduction of a beta,delta-diketo ester catalyzed by a diketoreductase offers a simple and efficient route for the preparation of statin side chains. Comparison of different cofactor regeneration systems resulted in an easy and cost-effective process for this enzymatic reduction.