Process for the biotransformation of colchicinoid compounds into the corresponding 3-glycosyl derivatives

A process for preparing a compound of Formula (I) ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 is an O-glycoside residue, R.sup.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 acyl, and R.sup.3 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 thioalkyl, comprising:

• contacting a compound of Formula (II) ##STR3## wherein R.sup.4 is hydroxy or methoxy, R.sup.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 acyl, and R.sup.3 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 thioalkyl with a strain of Bacillus megaterium at a temperature of between about 20.degree. C. and about 45.degree. C., at a pH level of between about 5 and about 8, and for a time sufficient to produce a compound of Formula (I);
• and
• isolating the compound of Formula (I).