Texaphyrin


Texaphyrin is a sub-class of heterocyclic macrocycle molecules known as porphyrins. The molecule was invented by University of Texas at Austin professor Jonathan Sessler. The name texaphryin arose because some of the molecules have a shape that can superimpose onto the points of the star featured on the state flag of Texas.[1] Texaphyrins were nominated as the "State Molecule of Texas", but the buckyball was chosen instead.[2]

Texaphyrin core Nitrogen superimpose with 5 points of the star featured on the state flag of Texas[3]
Texaphyrin general structure

Sessler has described possible medicinal uses of these compounds in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and other scientific journals. Pharmacyclics, Inc., a publicly traded company begun by Sessler, licensed the technology behind texaphyrins from the university to develop commercial and medical uses for the molecules. Motexafin lutetium is a texaphyrin, marketed as Antrin by Pharmacyclics Inc.. It is a photosensitiser for use in photodynamic therapy to treat skin conditions and Prostate cancer.[4]

References
  1. Adams, A. (1998). "AAAS MEETING:10-Gallon Molecule Stomps Tumors". Science. 279 (5355): 1307b–1308. doi:10.1126/science.279.5355.1307b. PMID 9508706.
  2. Texas Legislature resolution, 1997
  3. "Recent Developments in Texaphyrin Chemistry and Drug Discovery". Inorg. Chem. 52 (21): 12184. April 4, 2013. doi:10.1021/ic400226g. PMC 3963820.
  4. Hiral, Patel; Rosemarie, Mick (August 2008). "Motexafin Lutetium-Photodynamic Therapy of Prostate cancer: Short- and Long-Term Effects on Prostate-Specific Antigen". Clinical Cancer Research. 14 (15). doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-08-0317. PMID 18676760.
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