Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of steroid saponins that have interesting biological activity. In particular the present invention relates to a class of steroid saponins in which the sugar moiety has been selectively functionalised to introduce a moiety that contains either, (i) a hydrogen ion donor, (ii) a hydrogen ion acceptor or (iii) a combination thereof. These new, water-soluble compounds are found to not only have potent anti-cancer properties per se but also have the ability to promote the immune response in a subject and can thus act as adjuvants for T-cell activation in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of steroid saponins that have interesting biological activity. In particular the present invention relates to a class of steroid saponins in which the sugar moiety has been selectively functionalised to introduce a moiety that contains either, (i) a hydrogen ion donor, (ii) a hydrogen ion acceptor or (iii) a combination thereof. These new, water-soluble compounds are found to not only have potent anti-cancer properties per se but also have the ability to promote the immune response in a subject and can thus act as adjuvants for T-cell activation in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new polymorphic form of the compound diosgenyl ?-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1->2)-?-D-glucopyranoside (compound I) and pharmaceutical compositions containing this polymorph

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved synthesis of a class of steroid saponins. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of selectively discriminating between the C2 and C3 hydroxyl groups of a mono-glycosylated steroid saponin—a key step in the preparation of this class of compounds. Additionally, the present invention provides a range of steroid saponin derivatives, and methods of making them.