Abstract:
This invention relates to dry pharmaceutical compositions comprising an active ingredient which is 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or a precursor or derivative of 5-ALA, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compositions may be used in the photodynamic treatment (PDT) or photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of cancer, pre-cancerous conditions and non-cancerous conditions. The invention relates further to irradiation devices comprising dry compositions and the use of such devices in the photodynamic treatment (PDT) or photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of cancer, pre-cancerous conditions and non-cancerous conditions.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the use of a photosensitiser which is 5-ALA or a precursor or derivative thereof (e.g. an ALA ester), in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical product for use in the photodynamic treatment or diagnosis of cancer, an infection associated with cancer, or in the treatment or diagnosis of a non-cancerous condition, wherein said pharmaceutical product is in the form of a solid. The invention also relates to solid pharmaceutical products for use in such methods, e.g. suppositories, pessaries, tablets, pellets and capsules which comprise 5-ALA or a precursor or derivative thereof (e.g. an ALA ester) and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Such products are particularly suitable for use in the photodynamic treatment or diagnosis of cancerous or non¬ cancerous conditions in the lower part of the gastrointestinal system or in the female reproductive system, e.g. in the treatment or diagnosis of colorectal cancer or cervical cancer.
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 acyloxymethyl esters of C 6-14 alkane-dicarboxylic acids, or physiologically tolerable salts or esters thereof, for use in medicine as therapeutic or prophylactic agents.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a neoadjuvant therapy for bladder cancer in bladder cancer patients who are scheduled for a cystectomy and methods of carrying out such a neoadjuvant therapy. In particular the invention relates to a composition comprising hexyl 5-ALA ester (HAL) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in a neoadjuvant therapy for bladder cancer in a bladder cancer patient who is scheduled for a cystectomy, the therapy comprises instilling said composition into the bladder of said patient and exposing the inside of said bladder to light.
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 present invention provides a method of expressing an antigenic molecule or a part thereof on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell, said method comprising introducing a molecule into the cell cytosol by photochemical internalisation, wherein said molecule, or a part thereof, is subsequently presented on the surface of said cell. Methods of vaccination comprising this method, together with compositions comprising said cells and uses involving said cells expressing antigenic molecules are also provided.
Abstract:
A catheter device for use in the photodynamic treatment of a body cavity or hollow organ of the body, such as the bladder, the device being used in the photodynamic treatment of abnormalities, disorders or diseases of the internal surfaces of said body cavity or hollow organ.
Abstract:
A photodynamic therapy lamp includes two lamp modules comprising an array of LEDs. Each of the lamp modules is movable between a first position in which the two lamp modules are oriented substantially parallel with each other in substantially the same plane, and a second position in which the angle between the lamp modules is from 50 degrees to 70 degrees.