Microbial process for preparing pravastatin

The present invention relates to a new microbial process for the preparation of the compound formula (I): ##STR1## from a compound of general formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R stands for an alkali metal or ammonium ion, by the submerged cultivation of a mold strain able to 6.beta.-hydroxylate a compound of the Formula (II) in aerobic fermentation and by the separation and purification of the product of Formula (I) formed in the course of the bioconversion. The process comprises cultivating a strain of Mortierella maculata filamentous mold species that is able to 6.beta.-hydroxylate a compound of the general Formula (II), on a nutrient medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources and mineral salts and separating the product formed from the fermentation broth, then isolating the compound of formula (I) and purifying the same. Novel strains of Mortierella maculata are also disclosed.

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We claim:

1. The sodium salt of pravastatin in a crystalline form.

2. The sodium salt of pravastatin according to claim 1, wherein the melting point is in the range of from about 170.degree. C. to about 173.degree. C.