Novel antitumor antibiotics, CI-940 (PD 114,720) and PD 114,721. Taxonomy, fermentation and biological activity.

The novel, broad-spectrum antitumor antibiotics, CI-940 (PD 114,720) and PD 114,721 are components of bioactive compounds produced by a novel actinomycete (ATCC 39366). The organism is unique in that whole cell analysis revealed LL-diaminopimelic acid and major amounts of arabinose. These new antibiotics exhibit potent antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo versus an array of tumors and possess strong antibacterial and antifungal activity. The above antibiotics are produced in 7,570-liter fermentors at yields of 5 approximately 8 micrograms/ml.