METAL-GLYCOPROTEIN COMPLEXES AND THEIR USE AS CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC COMPOUNDS

摘要

Compositions of the invention include glycoproteins, such as transferrin, and metal-based coordination complexes, which are preferably chemotherapeutic compounds and more preferably tunable photodynamic compounds. The compositions are useful as in vivo diagnostic agents, and as therapeutic agents for treating or preventing diseases including those that involve hyperproliferating cells in their etiology, such as cancer. Compositions of the invention are further capable of destroying microbial cells, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, and destroying viruses.

主权项

1. A composition comprising:
a metal-binding glycoprotein; and a chemotherapeutic compound containing at least one transition metal, wherein the composition has at least one of the following enhanced properties relative to the chemotherapeutic compound without the glycoprotein: (a) increased uptake by cancer cells; (b) increased uptake by tumors; (c) increased efficacy at wavelengths longer than 600 nm; (d) increased efficacy at wavelengths less than or equal to 600 nm; (e) improved absorbance at wavelengths longer than 600 nm; (f) improved absorbance at wavelengths less than or equal to 600 nm; (g) increased production of reactive oxygen species; (h) increased photodynamic therapy effect under non-hypoxic conditions; (i) increased photodynamic therapy effect under hypoxic conditions; (j) increased LD50; (k) increased MTD; (l) increased photostability; and (m) increased shelf-life.