The team of Weisheng TIAN developed a process in the pilot scale which allows to oxidize sisal saponin to megestrol acetate using hydrogen peroxide instead of chrome oxide. China produces 4.000 t/a of saponins, about 90 % of the global production. The method was used to manufacture pregn-16-ene-20-one-3-ol acetate and other steroid drugs. Industrieller Partner ist Jiangsu Jiaerke Pharmaceuticals Co. in Changzhou.

China Bio news release, Jan. 28, 2015