Photoactivatable rapamycin compounds

Patent Pending Sirolimus (also known as rapamycin) is a chemical that was discovered by Suren Sehgal,[1] as a product of bacteria discovered on Easter Island (the island is also known as Rapa Nui).[2] It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in September 1999 and is marketed under the trade name Rapamune by Pfizer (formerly by Wyeth). Sirolimus was originally developed as an antifungal agent. However, this use was abandoned when it was discovered to have potent immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties. It has since been shown to prolong the life of mice and might also be useful in the treatment of certain cancers.