Androstenedione originates either from the conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone or from 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione requires 17,20 lyase. 17-hydroxyprogesterone, on the other hand, requires 17,20 lyase for its synthesis. Thus, both reactions that produce androstenedione directly or indirectly depend on 17,20 lyase.

Androstenedione is further converted to either testosterone or estrogen. Conversion of androstenedione to testosterone requires the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, while conversion of androstenedione to estrogen (e.g. estrone and estradiol requires the enzyme aromatase.

The production of adrenal androstenedione is governed by ACTH, whereas production of gonadal androstenedione is under control by gonadotropins. In premenopausal women, the adrenal glands and ovaries each produce about half of the total androstendione (about 3 mg/day). After menopause, androstenedione production is about halved, primarily due to the reduction of the steroid secreted by the ovary. Nevertheless, androstenedione is the principal steroid produced by the postmenopausal ovary.

Empirical Formula: C₁₉H₂₆O₂   Molecular Weight: 286.41  CAS:63-05-8

Use

Very important intermediate for estrone, testosterone, canrenone and progesterone. Diuretic. Therapeutic use in cardiovascular disease

Market

Volume should be >6000 tons/yr, market price 600 USD/kg

Cost of Production

Raw Material+ Energy:US$80/kg

Patent

No infringement of existing patents. Synthetic method is original and can be patented in India, China, Europe, USA and Japan.

Technology

Strain and technological know-how is available:

Androstendione Final titre: >15 g/Litre

Fermentation time: 150hrs

Recovery yield: >80 % as Crystals 98% purity Mass conversion:>35%

Strain Classification

(AD) is obtained by the fermentation of Mycobacterium Smegmatis. The product is intracellular.