Chemistry Colloquium: Tackling Cancer and Infection with Light-Responsive Molecules

Professor Sherri McFarland will be presenting the Chemistry & Biochemistry Colloquium.

Dr. McFarland is a Professor of Chemistry at University of Texas, Arlington

Photomedicine is an interdisciplinary field where chemistry and light meet to fight disease. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a special branch of photomedicine that employs a sensitizer molecule, light, and oxygen to destroy target cells with spatiotemporal selectivity. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we have introduced both synthetic compounds and natural products as photosensitizers for PDT. Our TLD1433 ( Ruvidar ® ) has successfully completed a Phase 1 clinical trial and is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for treating bladder cancer with PDT. Our product PhytoLight ® completed Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials and is commercially available for mitigating oral biofilm in dentistry . This seminar will share some of our stories in developing metallodrug photosensitizers for treating bladder cancer and photoactive plant extracts for improving oral health . If time permits , some new directions will be highlighted .