Texaphyrin
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Texaphyrin is a sub-class of the class of molecules known as porphyrins, which are heterocyclic macrocycles. Research is under way in using texaphyrins to treat neoplastic and cardiovascular disease. The molecule was invented by University of Texas at Austin professor Jonathan Sessler. The name texaphryn arose because some of these molecules have a shape that is superimposable on the five-pointed star featured on the State flag of Texas.[1],[2] Texaphyrins were nominated as the "State molecule of Texas", but the buckyball was chosen instead.[3]
Sessler has described possible uses of these compounds in medicine in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences as well as other journals. Sessler's company, Pharmacyclics, Inc., which went public in 1995, licensed the technology behind texaphyrins from The University to develop commercial and medical uses for the molecules.
[edit] References
- "Buckyball, UT entry collide in bid to be state molecule" February 19, 1997, Austin American Statesman, B1.
[edit] External links
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