Abstract: The present invention relates to novel hybrid anthracyclines generated by cloning of fused genes in a mutated Streptomyces galilaeus strain DSM 11638. Said strain was obtained by mutagenization of the S. galilaeus wild type (ATCC 31615). The aglycone moieties of the compounds obtained are modified alkavinones, caused by the gene products introduces into the mutant, and the sugar moieties are those derived from the host strain, i.e. rhodosamine-2-deoxyfucose-2-deoxyfucose or 2-deoxyfucose-2-deoxyfucose-2-deoxyfucose, or the disaccharide or monosaccharide forms of these.

Abstract: A process for producing anthracyclines and intermediates thereof expressing in a foreign Streptomyces host a DNA fragment relating to the biosynthetic pathway of anthracyclines and, if desired, intermediates obtained may be converted to anthracyclines or aglycones thereof using e.g. non-producing Streptomyces mutant strains.