Abstract: Naamidine A isolated from marine sponges is found to be selective in inhibiting the growth of tumor cells which are dependent upon epidermal growth factor for their growth, while showing acceptably low general cytotoxicity. Such selectivity was established through in vitro and in vivo comparative testing using tumor cells which over express EGF receptor cites. The in vivo tests used nude athymic mice that were implanted with squamous cells carcinoma.

Abstract: Sesquiterpenes obtainable from the fungal strain Acremonium strictum XO6/15/458, and phannaceutically and veterinarily acceptable salts thereof, are inhibitors of the binding of benzodiazepine to the GABA-benzodiazepine-Cl ionophore receptor complex. These compounds are prepared by (i) fermenting, in a source of carbon, nitrogen and inorganic salts, fungal strain XO6/15/458 (IMI 354451) or a mutant thereof which produces the sesquiterpenes, (ii) isolating the sesquiterpenes from the fermentation medium; and (iii) if desired, converting the sesquiterpene into a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt.