 |
|
Syntex prospers
After Marker left, Syntex began a frantic search for someone with the knowledge and expertise needed to get
the company back into business. They found George Rosenkranz, who had studied at the Swiss ETH and was doing
pharmaceutical research in Cuba. After an unusual job interview in which he actually performed a specific chemical
reaction without directions, he was hired. A few months after Rosenkranz began work in October 1945, Syntex was
again selling progesterone.
Rosenkranz extended the chemistry of diosgenin to the production of testosterone and other steroid hormones
(also done by Marker). More importantly, Rosenkranz built a powerful research program at Syntex. In part,
this was done by playing a major role in the creation of the "Instituto de Química," where a collaborative
organic chemistry research degree was established. He also recruited other Ph.D. chemists for Syntex, including
Carl Djerassi and Alejandro Zaffaroni.
The Decade of the Sex Hormones |
To Orizaba and beyond |
A steroid industry in Mexico |
Syntex prospers |
Cortisone and the "Pill" |
The life of Russell Marker |
Landmark designation
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