Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: Methods an compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease state are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: Multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis can be treated effectively using photodynamic therapy. In this protocol, a photoactive compound is administered, allowed to distribute in the effected subject, and the subject is then irradiated to activate the photoactive compound. Alternatively, the blood of a subject to be treated can be subjected to PDT extracorporeally. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, localized treatment at the joints may also be employed.

Abstract: Purpurin-carbohydrate conjugates and their method of preparation and use for treatment of cancer cells. The conjugates have the general formula: wherein R6 and R7 taken together are ?NR11 or are independently —OR11, where at least one R11 is preferably a mono or polysaccharide moiety and R1-R8 are various groups formed from carbon and hydrogen and optionally oxygen and nitrogen where R3 and R4 may together from a covalent bond.

Abstract: The invention features a method of diagnosing or providing a prognosis regarding the state of Alzheimer's Disease in a mammal by contacting an ocular tissue with a detectably-labeled compound, which binds to an amyloid protein. An increase in binding of the compound to the ocular tissue compared to a normal control level of binding indicates that the mammal is suffering from or is at risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions comprising multifunctional (usually bi- or tri-functional) agents that incorporate a targeting moiety, a photo dynamic therapy (PDT) moiety (either one or two photon), and an optional imaging agent (such as a chromophore, contrast agent, etc.).

Abstract: Metallotetrapyrrolic compounds having photherapeutic properties useful in photodetection and phototherapy of target issues, particularly porphyrins and azaporphyrins that including gallium in the central pyrrolic core. Also disclosed are methods of using metallotetrapyrrolic compounds for the treatment or detection of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A cancer screening method is provided, wherein the method is characterized by administering a compound to a patient, the compound being a complex of a fluorescent marker and a radioactive marker, in a dose emitting between 5 Gy and 20 Gy radiation. Cells are then collected preferably through non-invasive or minimally invasive means. If fluorescence is observed in the exfoliated cells, tomographic scanning is conducted to further locate and/or confirm suspected malignant areas or metastatic areas. Further observation or treatment may be conducted either through fluorescence guided endoscopy, photo-dynamic therapy, and/or radiation treatment.

Abstract: Phthalocyanine analogues having an active able to link the phthalocyanine t carriers molecules and phthalocyanine analogues as phthalocyanine-carrier conjugates showing enhanced photodynamic properties, red shifted absorption characteristic, all useful for photodynamic therapy, are described. Photosensitizers themselves or the photosensitizers-carriers conjugates are useful compounds either for treatment of various infectious diseases, the in vivo eradication of micro-organisms as well as diseases characterized by cellular hyperproliferation, in particular tumours psoriasis, actinic keratosis, atheromas, endoarterial hyperplasia and prostate hyperplasia. The above compounds can be also useful for blood and blood derivatives sterilization and in vivo/vitro diagnostics.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and treating rapidly growing exogenous cells, such as Protista, or parasites, that preferentially accumulate a photoactivatable porphyrin in which 5-aminolevulinic acid or precursor thereof is administered to the patient, or contacted to the exogenous cells, in an amount sufficient to induce synthesis fluorescence and/or photosensitizing concentrations of a protoporphyrin IX in the exogenous cells, followed by exposure of the exogenous cells to light of photoactivating wavelengths.

Abstract: The invention discloses compounds and compositions for dual phototherapy and combined therapy and diagnosis of tumors and other lesions. The compounds have a Dye that, when photoactivated, operates via Type I and/or Type II mechanisms. Other Dye or azide components may operate by the same or different mechanisms. Selection of particular components in a compound, and formulation of the compound(s) in a composition permit different activation wavelengths to be used for different therapies. A targeting moiety may be added to the compound or composition so that the Dye locates at a particular site, such as a hormone-sensitive tumor, for diagnosis and/or treatment. The compounds and compositions may be incorporated within liposomes.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injectable galenic formulation for use in a diagnosis or a photodynamic therapy and the method for preparing same. The formulation contains: a compound of general formula (I), wherein: R2 represents a H, OH or COOR4 group, where R4 is a hydrogen or an C1-C12 alkyl or a C3-C12 cycloalkyl; R3 represents H, OH or a C1-C12 alkyl or alkoxy; and * represents an asymmetric carbon in the form of an alkali metal salt in an amount not exceeding 10 mg/ml, as photosensitizing agent, and a carrier in aqueous phase containing at least a benzyl alcohol-ethanol mixture or propylene glycol as solubilizing agent for the photosensitizing agent and a surfactant in an amount not exceeding 20 wt. % relative to the total weight of the formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides the porphyrin compound which is used for photodynamic diagnosis and/or treatment for animals, and the photodynamic diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent for animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method using nanoparticles of cyclic tetrapyrrolic compounds as gene and drug delivery agents. Pharmaceutical agents can be packed or condensed inside nanoparticles of cyclic tetrapyrrolic compounds and delivered to cells. In vitro experiments showed nanoparticles of cyclic tetrapyrrolic compounds can be effectively delivered into cells.

Abstract: Methods for performing a capsulorhexis are disclosed wherein a dye is used to stain a lens capsule of an eye. The dye is capable of staining tissue without diffusing through the tissue. Compositions including dyes that are useful in the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Synthetic multichromophoric systems exhibiting low energy fluorescent excited states in which the transition dipoles of the pigment building blocks are correlated in defined phase relationships are provided. The polarized nature of these singlet excited states can be maintained over long (ns) timescales. In preferred embodiements ethyne- and butadiyne-bridged multiporphyrin species that manifest high excited-state anisotropies display exceptionally large emitting dipole strengths, establishing a new precedent for superradiant oligopigment assemblies.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and treating rapidly growing exogenous cells, such as Protista, or parasites, that preferentially accumulate a photoactivatable porphyrin in which 5-aminolevulinic acid or precursor thereof is administered to the patient, or contacted to the exogenous cells, in an amount sufficient to induce synthesis fluorescence and/or photosensitizing concentrations of a protoporphyrin IX in the exogenous cells, followed by exposure of the exogenous cells to light of photoactivating wavelengths.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a conjugate comprising an active substance and a native protein which is not recognized as foreign protein for the production of a pharmaceutical preparation for treating and/or diagnosing inflammatory, infectious and/or skin diseases.

Abstract: A method for performing retinal membrane removal is disclosed using vital dyes which are applied to the membrane. Compositions including vital dyes which are useful in the retinal membrane removal methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound derived from dihydroporphyrin having the general formula (I): 1

Abstract: A method for diagnosis and treatment of arteriosclerotic lesions is provided wherein the method is characterized by introducing a chemical compound to the patient, the compound being a complex of a photosensitive portion, and a radioactive portion. Cells which exhibit an affinity for the porphyrin element indicate sites of plaque buildup. The radioactive portion within the compound allows tomographic scanning as well as simultaneous radiation treatment. The complexed compound can be introduced to the patient a desired number of times to provide the necessary radiation treatment and ongoing monitoring of plaque removal. Further observation or treatment may be conducted through a fluorescence guided endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: Palladium-substituted Bacteriochlorophyll derivatives are administered to a subject suspected of having a tumor and the patient is then irradiated and the fluorescence of the suspected area is measured. A high fluorescence indicates a tumor site. A preferred derivative is Pd-Bacteriopheophorbide a.

Abstract: There is provided a compound of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, X, Y1, Y2, Y3, Z, M, A-B and C-D have meanings given in the description, which are useful in the treatment of medical conditions for which a photodynamic compound is indicated. Compositions, apparatus and methods of treatment of a medical condition for which a photodynamic compound is indicated are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a compound for use as a photosensitiser in PDT, in photochemical internalisation in the production of a cancer vaccine or in the diagnosis or detection of medical conditions, the compound having a photosensitising chromophoric system, a sulphonamido functionality and a carboxy functionality.

Abstract: The methods of the invention can be used to treat mycobacterial infections, or any disease or disorder that is caused by (or aggravated by) an intracellular pathogen. Accordingly, the invention features methods for treating a subject who has a disorder that is associated with an intracellular pathogen by administering, to a subject, a molecular conjugate that includes a photosensitizer (a term used herein to refer to a light activatable compound) and a targeting moiety, the targeting moiety being capable of targeting the conjugate to the intracellular pathogen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for diagnosing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, which comprises administering to a mammal such a photosensitizer or an X-ray absorbing substance that has a property capable of accumulating specifically in the macrophages having infiltrated the inflammatory sites of Langerhans islets in the pancreas and also has a property capable of being activated upon absorption of a light ray or an X-ray of a specific wavelength, then irradiating the pancreas with the light ray or X-ray of the specific wavelength, and detecting or judging whether the fluorescence of the photo-excited photosensitizer or the X-ray absorption image occurs in the inflammatory sites of Langerhans islets or not.

Abstract: The preparation of phosphorescent metalloporphyrin labelling reagents and their use for preparation of phosphorescent conjugates with biomolecules. The labelling reagents obtainable are water soluble monofunctional derivatives of Pt- and Pd-coproporphyrins, where the term “monofunctional” refers to the number of reactive groups in the porphyrin moiety.

Abstract: Metallotetrapyrrolic compounds having photherapeutic properties useful in photodetection and phototherapy of target issues, particularly porphyrins and azaporphyrins that including gallium in the central pyrrolic core. Also disclosed are methods of using metallotetrapyrrolic compounds for the treatment or detection of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides the porphyrin compound which is used for photodynamic diagnosis and/or treatment for animals, and the photodynamic diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent for animals.

Abstract: Effective treatment of tumors, especially carcinomas, can be achieved by administering to man a photochemotherapeutic agent containing as an active ingredient a compound showing maximum absorption in the wavelength region of 800 to 1,200 nm, and then applying light rays of a wavelength of 800 to 1,200 nm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition for causing photodynamic damage to target cells comprising a photosensitiser, a photosensitiser carrier component, a component which enables target cell recognition and transport of the photosensitiser toward the interior of the target cell by specific receptor-mediated endocytosis, and a component capable of effective targeted transport of the photosensitiser within the target cells. The invention is also related to a method for causing photodynamic damage to target cells comprising the steps of: adding the composition to the cells; keeping the cells at a temperature of normal vital activity of cells with the composition for causing photodynamic damage to the target cells, said composition comprising the above-mentioned components; and exposure of the cells to light.

Abstract: A detectably labeled porphyrin compound for identifying a sentinel lymph node in patients, particularly those with cancer. A method of identifying a sentinel lymph node, comprising the steps of: injecting the detectably labeled porphyrin compound into a tumor, wherein the porphyrin compound is detectably labeled with a radiolabel which is a &ggr;-emitting radioactive metal; and detecting radioactive emission or a color so as to detect and thereby identify the sentinel lymph node. A method of identifying a sentinel lymph node, comprising the steps of injecting the detectably labeled porphyrin compound into tissue surrounding a tumor, wherein the porphyrin compound is detectably labeled with a non-radioactive metal; and taking a series of magnetic resonance images to identify the sentinel lymph node by viewing the images showing the injected detectably labeled porphyrin compound.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein involves a phototherapeutic pyrrolic core complexed with a non-radioactive Indium atom. Complexation of Indium by the pyrrolic core forms a metalopyrrolic compound which influences enables these compounds to localize at target sites a phototherapy. Such functionally aids in both detection and phototherapy of disease sites, or provides functionality that binds to site specific receptors of a target area such that the therapy is improved.

Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to a method of generating information from an animate human or non-human animal body which method comprises: administering to said body a physiologically tolerable material capable of absorbing, scattering or emitting light at a wavelength in the range 300 to 1300 nm; subjecting at least a portion of said body to ultrasound irradiation; detecting light in the wavelength range 300 to 1300 nm from said portion of said body; and manipulating the detected light to generate said information.

Abstract: A process of pathology or target tissue identification comprising administering an imaging material to a pathology or target tissue bearing mammalian host and irradiating the mammalian host with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 600 and 1100 nm, and especially in the region of 700 nm and longer wavelengths, whereupon the imaging material, which has been preferentially taken up by the pathology or target tissue, emits light and permits precise identification of the location, size and/or shape of the pathology or target tissue.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and treating rapidly growing exogenous cells, such as Protista, or parasites, that preferentially accumulate a photoactivatable porphyrin in which 5-aminolevulinic acid or precursor thereof is administered to the patient, or contacted to the exogenous cells, in an amount sufficient to induce synthesis fluorescence and/or photosensitizing concentrations of a protoporphyrin IX in the exogenous cells, followed by exposure of the exogenous cells to light of photoactivating wavelengths.

Abstract: Bacteriochlorins and bacteriopurpurins useful for photodynamic therapy and methods for their manufacture are described herein. Methods for producing the claimed compounds include contacting meso-diacrylate porphyrin precursors with a solvent and a base catalyst at sufficient temperature and time to yield the desired conversion. Reduced bacteriochlorins can be produced by contacting unsaturated bacteriochlorins or bacteriopurpurins with a hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen. These methods provide new routes for synthesizing bacteriochlorins and bacteriopurpurins from symmetrical and asymmetrical meso-diacrylate porphyrins.

Abstract: Disclosed are a spectrofluorimetrically detectable luminescent composition and processes for enhancing the luminescence of one or more lanthanide-containing macrocycles. The luminescent composition comprises a micelle-producing amount of at least one surfactant, at least one energy transfer acceptor lanthanide element macrocycle compound having an emission spectrum peak in the range from 500 to 950 nanometers, and a luminescence-enhancing amount of at least one energy transfer donor compound of yttrium or a 3-valent lanthanide element having atomic number 59-71, provided that the lanthanide element of said macrocycle compound and the lanthanide element of said energy transfer donor compound are not identical. The addition of gadolinium(III) in the presence of other solutes to both the prototype and the difunctionalized europium, samarium, and terbium macrocyclic complexes, which were taught in our U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,373,093 and 5,696,240, enhances their luminescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates comprising a compound capable of emitting fluorescence, a linker and a protein. The present invention also concerns the preparation of such conjugates as well as their use.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and treating rapidly growing exogenous cells, such as Protista, or parasites, that preferentially accumulate a photoactivatable porphyrin in which 5-aminolevulinic acid or precursor thereof is administered to the patient, or contacted to the exogenous cells, in an amount sufficient to induce synthesis fluorescence and/or photosensitizing concentrations of a protoporphyrin IX in the exogenous cells, followed by exposure of the exogenous cells to light of photoactivating wavelengths.

Abstract: A process of pathology or target tissue identification comprising administering an imaging material to a pathology or target tissue bearing mammalian host and irradiating the mammalian host with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 600 and 1100 nm, and especially in the region of 700 nm and longer wavelengths, whereupon the imaging material, which has been preferentially taken up by the pathology or target tissue, emits light and permits precise identification of the location, size and/or shape of the pathology or target tissue.

Abstract: The use of texaphyrins for ocular diagnosis and therapy is provided, especially use of photosensitive texaphyrins for photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye characterized by abnormal vasculature, such as macular degeneration, or pterygium, for example. The photosensitive texaphyrin may be a free-base texaphyrin or may be metallated with a diamagnetic metal. Preferably, the photosensitive texaphyrin is metallated with lutetium. Due to the dual wavelength absorption of texaphyrins, i.e., at 400-500 nm and at 700-800 nm, especially about 732 nm, as compared to porphyrins, texaphyrins are more effective and versatile for use in humans as compared to porphyrins. Texaphyrins serve as effective contrast agents in ocular angiography.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel indocyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel indocyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for tracking light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: A process of pathology or target tissue identification comprising administering an imaging material to a pathology or target tissue bearing mammalian host and irradiating the mammalian host with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 600 and 1100 nm, and especially in the region of 700 nm and longer wavelengths, whereupon the imaging material, which has been preferentially taken up by the pathology or target tissue, emits light and permits precise identification of the location, size and/or shape of the pathology or target tissue.

Abstract: Metalloporphyrin-metal complex conjugates are prepared by reacting a porphyrin-metal complex conjugate with a metal acetylacetoane in a solvent or solvent mixture at a temperature from room temperature to 150° C. in concentrations of 3-30% in the metalloporphyrin-metal complex conjugate.

Abstract: A process of pathology or target tissue identification comprising administering an imaging material to a pathology or target tissue bearing mammalian host and irradiating the mammalian host with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 600 and 1100 nm, and especially in the region of 700 nm and longer wavelengths, whereupon the imaging material, which has been preferentially taken up by the pathology or target tissue, emits light and permits precise identification of the location, size and/or shape of the pathology or target tissue.