Abstract: The invention provides a composition of matter of the formula (I): V-L-R, where V is a vector moiety having affinity for an angiogenesis-related endothelias cell receptor, L is a linker moiety or a bond and R is a detectable moiety, characterised in that V is a non-peptidic organic group, or V is peptidic and R is a macromolecular or particulate species providing a multiplicity of labels detectable in in vivo imaging.

Abstract: The invention provides use of a photosensitiser, which is a derivative (e.g. an ester) of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the prevention or treatment of acne.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-soluble prodrug compound comprising a therapeutically effective moiety coupled via a metabolically cleavable bond to a protein binding moiety, wherein said therapeutically effective moiety has an anticancer, antiinflammatory, antiinfective or antipain effect, said protein binding moiety binds non-covalently to blood proteins, and the protein binding of said compound is at least 100% higher than that of the therapeutically effective moiety itself, with the exclusion of (i) the monoester of gemcitabine with azelaic acid, (ii) the monoester of dideoxycytidine with 1,12-dodecanedicarboxylic acid, (iii) 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9(2?-(1-(10-acetyl-decanoyloxy)ethoxymethyl))-guanine, (iv) 5?-cytarabine monoester with 1,4-phenylene diacetic acid, (v) the monoester of metronidazole with 1,4-butanedicarboxylic acid, and (vi) the monoester of metronidazole with 1,6-phenylene diacetic acid; and pre-prodrugs metabolizable thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acid addition salt of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or of a 5-ALA derivative (e.g. a 5-ALA ester) with an acid which has a pKa of about 5 or less, preferably about 3 or less, with the proviso that the acid is other than hydrochloric acid. Particularly preferred salts are those derived from acids selected from the group comprising sulphonic acid and its derivatives, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and phosphoric acid. The salts in accordance with the invention are particularly suitable for use as photosensitizing agents in diagnosis and photochemotherapy of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body.

Abstract: The invention provides contrast agents for optical imaging of prostate cancer in patients. The contrast agents may be used in diagnosis of prostate cancer, for follow up of progress in disease development, for follow up of treatment of prostate cancer and for surgical guidance. Further, the invention provides methods for optical imaging of prostate cancer in patients.

Abstract: The invention provides contrast agents for optical imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque in patients. The contrast agents may be used in diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, for follow up of progress in disease development, for follow up of treatment of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque and for surgical guidance. Further, the invention provides methods for optical imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque in patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prodrug compound comprising a therapeutically effective moiety coupled via a metabolically cleavable bond to a blood protein binding moiety.

Abstract: The invention provides contrast agents for optical imaging of oesophageal cancer and Barrett's oesophagus in patients. The contrast agents may be used in diagnosis of oesophageal cancer and Barrett's oesophagus, for follow up of progress in disease development, for follow up of treatment of oesophageal cancer and Barrett's oesophagus and for surgical guidance. Further, the invention provides methods for optical imaging of oesophageal cancer and Barrett's oesophagus in patients.

Abstract: Novel modulators of 5-HT4 receptors have been developed which have a selectivity for peripheral receptors rather than those of the central nervous systems. Theses include novel derivatives of known modulators as well as entirely novel entities. Surprisingly, the derivatised compounds of the known modulators maintain a high binding affinity to 5-HT4 receptors, despite the presence of an acidic moiety at the end of an optional chain. The entirely novel entities also exhibit good binding affinity to 5-HT4 receptors. All of the compounds of the invention have a common motif which includes a basic nitrogen moiety and an acidic moiety. The compounds of the invention, due at least in part to their high ionisation potential at physiological pH, have the unique properties of selectively for peripheral 5HT4 receptors over those of the CNS, good binding affinity, and selectively of 5HT4 receptors over other serotonin receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds being esters of 5-aminolevulinic acids or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, including compounds of formula (I) R22N—CH2COCH2—CH2CO—OR1 (wherein R1 may represent alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, amino, aryl, oxo or fluoro groups and optionally interrupted by oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur or phosphorus atoms; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a group R1, and both R2 groups may be the identical or different), and their use in diagnosis and photochemotherapy of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body, and products and kits for performing the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treatment of a human or non-human subject to combat sub-dermal soft tissue pain therein, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a physiologically tolerable strontium compound.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a water soluble unsaturated fatty acid salt from a crude composition comprising at least one non-water soluble or sparingly water soluble unsaturated fatty acid or salt thereof, said process comprising: adding to said crude composition in the presence of water at least one amino alcohol compound so as to form a water soluble amino alcohol salt of said acid or salt; separating an aqueous phase; and optionally isolating said salt from said aqueous phase.

Abstract: The invention provides contrast agents for optical imaging of lung cancer in patients. The contrast agents may be used in diagnosis of lung cancer, for follow up of progress in disease development, for follow up of treatment of lung cancer and for surgical guidance. Further, the invention provides methods for optical imaging of lung cancer in patients.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treatment of a human or non-human subject to combat sub-dermal soft tissue pain therein, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a physiologically tolerable strontium compound.

Abstract: The invention provides contrast agents for optical imaging of endometriosis in patients. The contrast agent may be used in diagnosis of endometriosis, for follow-up of progress in disease development, and for follow-up of treatment of endometriosis. Further, the invention provides methods for optical imaging of endometriosis. The contrast agent has affinity for an abnormally expressed target associated with endometriosis. By abnormally expressed, is meant that the target is either overexpressed or downregulated. Endometriotic tissue containing a downregulated target may be identified by a low amount of bound contrast agent compared to normal tissue. In this situation, the amount of contrast agent should be less than 50% of that in normal tissue, preferably less than 10%.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds for use in photochemotherapy or diagnosis, said compounds being branched alkyl esters or substituted alkyl esters of 5-aminolevulinic acid, or derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In particular, the invention provides compounds of formula (I): R22N—CH2COCH2CH2CO—OR1 (wherein R1 represents an optionally substituted branched alkyl (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to metal complex compounds, contrast agents for MRI and in vivo NMR markers for NMR spectroscopy comprising said metal complex compounds and methods for in vivo determination of physiological parameters, e.g. enzyme activity or pH using said metal complex compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treatment of a human or non-human animal subject to combat inflammation arising from a condition associated with pain or a condition not associated with pain, said method comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a physiologically tolerable strontium compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition of matter of formula I V-L-R ??(I) where V is an organic group having binding affinity for an angiotensin II receptor site, L is a linker moiety or a bond, and R is a moiety detectable in in vivo imaging of a human or animal body, with the provisos that where V is angiotensin or a peptidic angiotensin derivative or analog then V-L-R is other than a non-metal radionuclide substituted peptide (eg 125I substituted angiotensin II) and L-V is other than simply a peptide with a chelating agent amide bonded to a side chain thereof. This composition of matter may be used to image cardiovascular diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of an optionally hydroxyl-protected 4-hydroxy or hydroperoxy-3,5-dioxopyrazolidine or an equivalent wherein a pyrazolidine ring attached oxygen is replaced by a sulphur, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for use in drug therapy or prophylaxis. Additionally, the invention provides a method of combating HIV infection which comprises administering to an HIV-infected patient a T-lymphocyte growth suppressing agent, preferably a pyrazolidinol, in an amount sufficient to suppress T-lymphocyte growth in said patient for a period sufficient to reduce the T-lymphocyte concentration in lymph nodes in said patient.