Discovery and development of trabectedin
Abstract
This work presents the discovery and development of trabectedin (ET-743). The development of this marine-derived antitumor agent represents one of the greatest achievements in modern oncology and natural products chemistry. Originally discovered in the marine tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata, this molecule became the first marine-derived antitumor drug approved for clinical use and the first medication developed by a Spanish company to be authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Its development posed a multidisciplinary challenge that integrated marine bioprospecting, complex chemical synthesis, and advanced preclinical and clinical research.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Marine Sponges and Natural Products
Synthesis and Biological Activity
Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Anales de la Real Academia Nacional de Farmacia
- Volume
- 91
- Issue
- 91_04
- Pages
- 423–423
- Publication date
- 29 January 2026