Used in the semi-synthesis of anticancer drugs, particularly paclitaxel (Taxol), Baccatin IX serves as a key precursor in pharmaceutical production. It is isolated from natural sources like yew trees and modified chemically to produce active taxane derivatives. Due to its complex structure, it provides a foundation for synthesizing compounds that inhibit cancer cell division by stabilizing microtubules. This makes it valuable in oncology drug development, especially for treating breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. Its use reduces the need to harvest entire paclitaxel molecules from natural sources, enabling more sustainable and efficient drug manufacturing.