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mercaptopurine

noun
mer·​cap·​to·​pu·​rine | \ (ˌ)mər-ˌkap-tə-ˈpyu̇r-ˌēn How to pronounce mercaptopurine (audio) \

Definition of mercaptopurine

: an antimetabolite C5H4N4S that interferes especially with the metabolism of purine bases and the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and that is sometimes used in the treatment of acute leukemia

Examples of mercaptopurine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The next breakthrough, in 1950, was the development of 6-MP (mercaptopurine) by Gertrude Elion and George Hitchings, who would go on to receive the Nobel Prize. — Marie Mccullough, https://www.inquirer.com, "How conquering a rare leukemia in children revolutionized cancer care for millions," 6 June 2019 Using this targeted method, Elion helped develop such drugs as mercaptopurine, which changed childhood leukemia from a death-sentence to a condition that most survive. — Ray Cavanaugh, Time, "How One Scientist Broke Through the 'Brick Wall' for Women in Chemistry," 23 Jan. 2018

First Known Use of mercaptopurine

circa 1952, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for mercaptopurine

mercaptan + -o- + purine

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More Definitions for mercaptopurine

mercaptopurine

noun
mer·​cap·​to·​pu·​rine | \ (ˌ)mər-ˌkap-tə-ˈpyu̇(ə)r-ˌēn How to pronounce mercaptopurine (audio) \

Medical Definition of mercaptopurine

: an antimetabolite C5H4N4S that interferes especially with the metabolism of purine bases and the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and that is sometimes useful in the treatment of acute leukemia

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