Top 10 Manufacturers of Pharmaceutical Intermediate CAS No. 90356-78-8 in 2025

Understanding (2R,3S)-3-Phenylisoserine (CAS No. 90356-78-8)

(2R,3S)-3-Phenylisoserine is a chiral amino acid derivative and a vital pharmaceutical intermediate, best known for its role in the synthesis of Docetaxel (Taxotere)—a powerful anticancer API widely used in the treatment of breast, lung, prostate, and gastric cancers.

The stereochemistry of this molecule is crucial to the activity of the final drug product. Its (2R,3S)-configuration ensures the correct three-dimensional structure for effective binding to microtubules in cancer cells, a mechanism central to Docetaxel’s function.

Importance of CAS No. 90356-78-8 in Oncology Drug Development

Key Intermediate in Docetaxel Synthesis

This compound is a critical component in assembling the side chain of Docetaxel, a chemotherapy agent that stabilizes microtubules and prevents cell division.

Enantiomeric Purity Is Essential

The therapeutic effectiveness and regulatory approval of taxanes depend on the absolute stereochemical control offered by intermediates like (2R,3S)-3-Phenylisoserine.

Application in Semi-Synthetic Processes

Since Docetaxel is semi-synthetically derived from natural precursors, high-quality intermediates like this one ensure consistent and reproducible yields.

Used in Other Experimental Anticancer Agents

Researchers are evaluating derivatives of this compound in the development of next-generation taxanes and microtubule inhibitors.

High Regulatory and Purity Requirements

Manufacturers must comply with GMP, ICH Q7, and other international quality standards for oncology-grade intermediates.

Top 10 Manufacturers of CAS No. 90356-78-8

1. Lonza Group

• Location: Basel, Switzerland

• Overview: Lonza specializes in high-value chiral intermediates and provides full-scale production of Docetaxel building blocks.

• Specialty: Oncology-grade stereoselective intermediates with full regulatory support.

2. Bachem AG

• Location: Bubendorf, Switzerland

• Overview: Known for peptide and chiral synthesis, Bachem produces (2R,3S)-3-Phenylisoserine under strict GMP conditions, supporting oncology APIs.

• Specialty: Amino acid derivatives and custom chiral molecules.

3. Eastfine

• Location: Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China

• Overview: Eastfine manufactures high-purity pharmaceutical intermediates such as CAS No. 90356-78-8, offering reliable global supply and full documentation.

• Specialty: Oncology-focused intermediates with emphasis on purity and enantiomeric excess.

4. ChemCon GmbH

• Location: Freiburg, Germany

• Overview: ChemCon specializes in complex chiral synthesis for highly regulated sectors like oncology.

• Specialty: Small- to mid-scale GMP production of cytotoxic drug intermediates.

5. Olon S.p.A.

• Location: Milan, Italy

• Overview: Olon supports taxane API production with advanced intermediates like 90356-78-8, adhering to strict quality control and traceability.

• Specialty: Fully integrated supply of taxane-related building blocks.

6. CordenPharma

• Location: Plankstadt, Germany

• Overview: CordenPharma offers chiral intermediates for high-potency APIs, including taxane derivatives, with extensive regulatory experience.

• Specialty: Oncology-grade CDMO services with global reach.

7. Almac Group

• Location: Craigavon, Northern Ireland

• Overview: Almac delivers clinical to commercial-scale synthesis of chiral intermediates for oncology drugs.

• Specialty: Stereoselective synthesis with integrated analytical services.

8. Wuxi STA (STA Pharma, a WuXi AppTec company)

• Location: USA/Switzerland sites only considered

• Overview: While headquartered in China, STA’s non-China sites in the US and Europe manufacture high-purity taxane intermediates under FDA-inspected conditions.

• Specialty: Global CDMO with focus on oncology APIs and intermediates.

9. Asymchem Laboratories (Tianjin) Inc. – US Site

• Location: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA

• Overview: Asymchem’s US operations support cGMP production of chiral intermediates, including building blocks for cancer therapies.

• Specialty: Early-phase development and scale-up of cytotoxic intermediates.

10. Seqens Group

• Location: Ecully, France

• Overview: Seqens provides contract synthesis and GMP manufacturing of oncology intermediates such as (2R,3S)-3-Phenylisoserine.

• Specialty: EU-regulated taxane and semisynthetic API services.

Trends in the Pharmaceutical Intermediates Market

High Demand for Oncology-Grade Intermediates

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and the demand for chemotherapy drugs like Docetaxel continues to rise, driving production of key intermediates like CAS 90356-78-8.

Increased Outsourcing to CDMOs

Many pharma companies now partner with CDMOs to ensure consistent, GMP-compliant manufacturing of complex chiral intermediates.

Focus on Chiral Purity and Enantiomeric Control

Advances in asymmetric synthesis and chiral resolution are improving yields and reducing impurities in intermediates used for cancer APIs.

Expansion of Semi-Synthetic Pathways

Companies are optimizing semi-synthetic routes using natural precursors + advanced intermediates for improved scalability and regulatory acceptance.

Global Regulatory Pressures and Audits

Facilities producing taxane intermediates are subject to increased regulatory scrutiny, emphasizing the need for quality documentation, traceability, and repeatability.

Conclusion

CAS No. 90356-78-8, or (2R,3S)-3-Phenylisoserine, is a vital intermediate in the synthesis of Docetaxel, one of the most important anticancer drugs in modern medicine. With high-purity, GMP-compliant production by companies like Lonza, Bachem, and Eastfine, the pharmaceutical supply chain remains strong and ready to meet global oncology needs.

As cancer treatment evolves, so too will the technologies and partnerships driving the production of high-performance pharmaceutical intermediates.