Abstract: Method of combating a parasitic protozoal infection of a host organism, wherein the parasite causing the infection is associated with an enzyme system capable of activating tretazicar into a cytotoxic form. The method is carried out by administering tretazicar to the host organism.

Abstract: A method of combating a parasitic protozoal infection of a host organism, the method comprising administering tretazicar to the host organism. Tretazicar is the compound 5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (CB 1954), and the parasitic infection is preferably an infection of Trypanosoma cruzi, T. b. brucei, Leishmania spp. particularly L. infantum, Cryptosporidium or Giardia spp.

Abstract: A compound comprising a target cell-specific portion and human NAD(P)H:quinone reductase 2 (NQO2) or a variant or fragment or fusion or derivative thereof which has substantially the same activity as NQO2 towards a given prodrug, or a polynucleotide encoding said NQO2 or said variant or fragment or fusion or derivative. A recombinant polynucleotide comprising a target cell-specific promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding human NAD(P)H:quinone reductase 2 (NQO2) or a variant or fragment or fusion or derivative thereof which has substantially the same activity as NQO2 towards a given prodrug. The compounds and polynucleotides are useful in a method of treating a patient in conjunction with a suitable prodrug.

Abstract: A compound comprising a target cell-specific portion and human NAD(P)H:quinone reductase 2 (NQO2) or a variant or fragment or fusion or derivative thereof which has substantially the same activity as NQO2 towards a given prodrug, or a polynucleotide encoding said NQO2 or said variant or fragment or fusion or derivative. A recombinant polynucleotide comprising a target cell-specific promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding human NAD(P)H:quinone reductase 2 (NQO2) or a variant or fragment or fusion or derivative thereof which has substantially the same activity as NQO2 towards a given prodrug. The compounds and polynucleotides are useful in a method of treating a patient in conjunction with a suitable prodrug.

Abstract: A therapeutic system for destroying a target cell within a host having a vascular compartment, the system comprising: (a) a compound comprising a target cell-specific portion and a portion which will convert a selected substantially non-cytotoxic substance into a cytotoxic substance; and (b) said substantially non-cytotoxic substance, wherein at least the said portion of compound (a) capable of said conversion is, following administration to the host, internalised into said target cell. Preferably, the portion which converts said substantially non-cytotoxic substance into a cytotoxic substance requires a factor which is present in sufficient concentration within the target cell for the said portion to effect conversion of said substantially non-cytotoxic substance into a cytotoxic substance and which factor is not present in sufficient concentration within the blood of the vascular compartment for the said portion to effect said conversion.

Abstract: A compound comprising a target cell-specific portion and human NAD(P)H:quinone reductase 2 (NQO2) or a variant or fragment or fusion or derivative thereof which has substantially the same activity as NQO2 towards a given prodrug, or a polynucleotide encoding said NQO2 or said variant or fragment or fusion or derivative. A recombinant polynucleotide comprising a target cell-specific promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding human NAD(P)H:quinone reductase 2 (NQO2) or a variant or fragment or fusion or derivative thereof which has substantially the same activity as NQO2 towards a given prodrug. The compounds and polynucleotides are useful in a method of treating a patient in conjunction with a suitable prodrug.

Abstract: A therapeutic system for destroying a target cell within a host having a vascular compartment, the system comprising: (a) a compound comprising a target cellspecific portion and a portion which will convert a selected substantially noncytotoxic substance into a cytotoxic substance, and (b) said substantially noncytotoxic substance, wherein at least the said portion of compound (a) capable of said conversion is, following administration to the host, internalised into said target cell. Preferably, the portion which converts said substantially noncytotoxic substance into a cytotoxic substance requires a factor which is present in sufficient concentration within the target cell for the said portion to effect conversion of said substantially noncytotoxic substance into a cytotoxic substance and which factor is not present in sufficient concentration within the blood of the vascular compartment for the said portion to effect said conversion.

Abstract: Prodrugs, of generic formula I, are disclosed for use in antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). The prodrugs are substrates for carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) and yield more active cytotoxic drugs than known products of CPG2 catalysed reactions.

Abstract: Prodrugs, of generic formula I, are disclosed for use in antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). The prodrugs are substrates for carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) and yield more active cytotoxic drugs than known products of CPG2 catalyzed reactions.

Abstract: Prodrugs, of generic formula I, are disclosed for use in antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). The prodrugs are substrates for carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) and yield more active cytotoxic drugs than known products of CPG2 catalysed reactions.

Abstract: Prodrugs, of generic formula I, are disclosed for use in antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). The prodrugs are substrates for carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) and yield more active cytotoxic drugs than known products of CPG2 catalysed reactions.