The Kampranis Research Team, at the University of Copenhagen—a Twin4Promis advanced partner—has made a significant step toward suggesting a way to lower the cost and environmental impact of producing paclitaxel (Taxol), a widely used chemotherapy drug for cancers such as breast, ovarian, and lung cancer.

Paclitaxel is a complex naturally-derived compound from the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), and its current production remains both expensive and environmentally challenging. For more than three decades, researchers have sought a sustainable method to replicate the molecule using biotechnology.

Led by Professor Sotiris Kampranis, the team identified two enzymes required to complete the biosynthetic pathway of paclitaxel—an important piece of the puzzle that now enables full reconstruction of its production in yeast.

It is worth mentioning that the results of the study, recently published in Nature Synthesis, have led the University of Copenhagen research team to file a patent application for the method and to initiate the creation of a spin-out company aimed at scaling up the biosynthetic production of paclitaxel. This effort reflects a strong commitment to translating scientific discovery into tangible societal and health impact.

The Twin4Promis network warmly congratulates the Kampranis Research Team on this important milestone, which reflects the values of scientific excellence, innovation, and the translation of research into real-world applications that the network aims to foster.

🔗 Read more about this achievement in the original article in the Greek press, by Dr. Vaso Michopoulou.