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Calanolide A is a new, experimental non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitor (NNRTI) and a synthetic version of a compound found in nature. The compound
was discovered by researchers from the National Cancer Institute, who isolated
it from extracts from the latex produced by a tree (Calophyllum lanigerum) native
to the tropical rain forest of Sarawak, Malaysia. Since the plant source is relatively
rare, a chemical version was synthesized. The form in current use is formulated
for oral administration and produced by Sarawak MediChem. Based in Lemont, Illinois,
MediChem specializes in custom organic synthesis.
