Abstract: A therapeutic composition derived from a pre-activated photoactive compound and a conveyor for destroying tumor or other pathogenic biological contaminants infecting animal body tissues. The conveyor can either be a matrix support or an antibody. The activation of the photoactive compound to produce the pre-activated photoactive compound is carried out by the use of an activating agent. The pre-activated photoactive compound retains its therapeutic activity subsequent to activation. A method for preparing such a therapeutic composition is disclosed. Methods for treating animal body tissue, either outside the body or inside the body, infected with tumors or other pathogenic biological contaminants are disclosed.

Abstract: A pre-activated therapeutic agent derived from a photoactive compound for destroying tumor or other pathogenic biological contaminants infecting animal body tissues. The activation of the photoactive compound is carried out prior to the photoactive compound is being brought into contact with the tissue to be treated. The resultant pre-activated therapeutic agent, or mixture, retains its therapeutic activity subsequent to activation. A method for preparing such a pre-activated therapeutic agent is disclosed. Methods for treating animal body tissue, either outside the body or inside the body, infected with tumors or other pathogenic biological contaminants are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates a method of photodynamic inactivation of viruses having a membranous envelope, such as Herpes simplex type 1 and Human immunodeficiency type 1 viruses. The method uses substituted sapphyrin compounds to effect viral deactivation during radiation with light at or near the absorption wavelength of the sapphyrin compound. A highly reactive species selectively toxic to infectious agents is produced.One particular sapphyrin compound useful for the practice of the invention is 8,17-bis(carboxymethyl)-3,12,13,22-tetraethyl-2,7,18,23-tetramethylsapphyr in (Sapphyrin 2). The most preferred sapphyrin sapphyrin compound for the practice of the invention is 3,8,12,13,17,22-hexaethyl-2,7,18,23-tetramethylsapphyrin (Sapphyrin 1).The method is particularly suitable for inactivation of viruses in blood and blood products.

Abstract: A method for externally eradicating infectious pathogenic contaminants, such as enveloped viruses, bacteria, trypanosomal and malarial parasites, present in body tissues, such as blood, blood components, semen, skin, and cornea, before the treated body tissues are introduced into, or transplanted onto, the body of a human or an animal.

Abstract: A method for externally eradicating infectious pathogenic contaminants, such as enveloped viruses, bacteria, trypanosomal and malarial parasites, present in body tissues, such as blood, blood components, semen, skin, and cornea, before the treated body tisues are introduced into, or transplanted onto, the body of a human or an animal.