BICYCLOPOLYAZAMACROCYCLOPHOSPHONIC ACIDS, THEIR COMPLEXES AND CONJUGATES, FOR USE AS CONTRAST AGENTS, AND PROCESSES FOR THEIR PREPARATION

摘要

Bicyclopolyazamacrocyclophosphonic acid compounds are disclosed which may form inert complexes with Gd, Mn or Fe ions. The overall charge of the complex can be varied to alter the in vivo biolocalization. Such complexes can be covalently attached to an antibody, antibody fragment or other biologically active molecule to form conjugates. The complexes and conjugates are useful as contrast agents for diagnostic purposes. Processes for the preparation of the ligand, complex and conjugate are also disclosed.