Abstract: Use of a compound of formula (I): wherein each R, which are the same or different, is H or C1–C6 alkyl, and X completes a ring which is a substituted triazine having one of the following formulae (II) to (IV): wherein R? is H or C1–C6 alkyl; or an enol tautomer of a compound of formula (I) in which any of the groups R or R? is hydrogen; in the manufacture of a medicament for use as a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor. Formula (I) embraces 2-methylfervenulone, which can be produced by fermentation of a novel microbial strain. Fermentation of the said strain also produces novel precursors to 2-methylfervenulone having utility as prodrugs.

Abstract: Use of a compound of formula (I), wherein each R, which are the same or different, is H or C1-C6 alkyl, and X completes a ring which is a substituted triazine having one of the following formulae (II) to (IV), wherein R′ is H or C1-C6 alkyl; or an enol tautomer of a compound of formula (I) in which any of the groups R or R′ is hydrogen; in the manufacture of a medicament for use as a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor. Formula (I) embraces 2-methylfervenulone, which can be produced by fermentation of a novel microbial strain. Fermentation of the said strain also produces novel precursors to 2-methylfervenulone having utility as prodrugs.