minniedriverstits t1_j058j6p wrote on December 14, 2022 at 3:51 AM Reply to TIL that until 2012, when they switched to a bacterial source, Roche Pharmaceuticals used up to 90% of the world's annual star anise crop to produce shikimic acid, a chemical intermediate used in the synthesis of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) by Kintpuash-of-Kush Those poor star anise farmers; the price must have plummeted so hard. I hope Roche used their own exclusive plantations, at least. Permalink 40
minniedriverstits t1_j058j6p wrote
Reply to TIL that until 2012, when they switched to a bacterial source, Roche Pharmaceuticals used up to 90% of the world's annual star anise crop to produce shikimic acid, a chemical intermediate used in the synthesis of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) by Kintpuash-of-Kush
Those poor star anise farmers; the price must have plummeted so hard. I hope Roche used their own exclusive plantations, at least.