Abstract: A method for the synthesis of a compound of formula I as a mixture of enantiomers, (wherein R1 is H or an acid protective group and H+A? indicates an optional acid with which the compound of formula I may form an ammonium salt) said method comprising; A) reacting a cyclohexyl aziridine with a dialkyl malonate, whereby to provide a trans-fused 3-alkylcarbonyl-octahydro-indol-2-one; B) decarbonylation at the 3-position, conversion of the ketone of the resulting trans-octahydro-indol-2-one to an optionally protected carboxylic acid group; and C) optionally removing any N-substitution if necessary.

Abstract: Valacyclovir hydrochloride in anhydrous crystalline form having substantially the following d-spacing pattern (in angstroms) (see (I)).

Abstract: The present application relates to new peptide polymers comprising monomeric units derived from the residues of glutamic acid, aspartic acid and lysine, or their protected derivatives, and which are functionalized through the introduction of side chains containing thiol groups or protected thiol groups. The new peptide polymers can be crosslinked in aqueous medium, and the resulting polymer matrices have the capacity to entrap drugs and, subsequently, release them in a controlled way when introduced into a physiological medium. This enables new pharmaceutical compositions to be developed for the controlled release of drugs, especially peptide- and protein-based ones.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (IV), or an ester or a salt thereof comprising 1) reacting a compound of formula (I), (wherein Ra represents C1-4 alkyl, Rb represents C1-4 alkyl and Rc represents C1-6 alkyl) with a compound of formula X2C=0 (wherein each X independently represents a leaving group) to give a compound of formula (II), (wherein Ra, Rb and Rc are as hereinbefore defined); and 2) reacting said compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula (III) (wherein Rd represents hydrogen or a protecting group).