U.S. patent application number 16/397515 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for water soluble anionic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives and their uses.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd.. Invention is credited to Alexander BRANDIS, Ohad MAZOR, Yoram SALOMON, Hugo SCHEER, Avigdor SCHERZ.
Application Number | 20200094069 16/397515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30011928 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200094069 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCHERZ; Avigdor ; et
al. |
March 26, 2020 |
WATER SOLUBLE ANIONIC BACTERIOCHLOROPHYLL DERIVATIVES AND THEIR
USES
Abstract
The invention provides anionic water-soluble tetracyclic and
pentacyclic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives (Bchls) containing at
least one, preferably two or three, negatively charged groups
and/or acidic groups that are converted to negatively charged
groups at the physiological pH, preferably Bchls having a group
COO<->, COS<->, SO3<->, PO3<2->, COOH,
COSH, SO3H, and/or PO3H2 bound through an ester or amide bond to
one or more of the positions 17<3>, 13<3>, and
3<2> of the tetracyclic or pentacyclic Bchl molecule, for
photodynamic therapy and diagnosis.
Inventors: |
SCHERZ; Avigdor; (Rehovot,
IL) ; BRANDIS; Alexander; (Rehovot, IL) ;
MAZOR; Ohad; (Lod, IL) ; SALOMON; Yoram;
(Rehovot, IL) ; SCHEER; Hugo; (Blonhofen,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd. |
Rehovot |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
30011928 |
Appl. No.: |
16/397515 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15425473 |
Feb 6, 2017 |
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16397515 |
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14504347 |
Oct 1, 2014 |
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15425473 |
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13890126 |
May 8, 2013 |
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14504347 |
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12942938 |
Nov 9, 2010 |
8461142 |
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13890126 |
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10534692 |
Nov 9, 2005 |
7947672 |
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PCT/IL03/00973 |
Nov 17, 2003 |
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12942938 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 35/04 20180101;
C07F 1/08 20130101; A61P 31/04 20180101; A61P 33/00 20180101; A61P
35/00 20180101; C07F 13/005 20130101; A61N 5/062 20130101; C07F
3/02 20130101; C07F 3/06 20130101; A61F 9/0008 20130101; A61N
5/0624 20130101; C07F 15/006 20130101; A61K 49/0036 20130101; C07F
15/0066 20130101; C07F 15/045 20130101; A61K 41/0071 20130101; A61K
41/0076 20130101; A61P 31/12 20180101; A61K 31/40 20130101; A61P
13/08 20180101; A61P 31/00 20180101; A61P 27/02 20180101; A61P
31/10 20180101; A61P 43/00 20180101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 5/06 20060101
A61N005/06; C07F 15/00 20060101 C07F015/00; C07F 13/00 20060101
C07F013/00; C07F 3/06 20060101 C07F003/06; C07F 3/02 20060101
C07F003/02; C07F 1/08 20060101 C07F001/08; A61K 41/00 20060101
A61K041/00; A61F 9/00 20060101 A61F009/00; C07F 15/04 20060101
C07F015/04; A61K 49/00 20060101 A61K049/00; A61K 31/40 20060101
A61K031/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 17, 2002 |
IL |
152900 |
Claims
[0212] 1-50. (canceled)
51. A method of treating a tumor in a patient by vascular-targeted
photodynamic therapy (VTP), the method comprising: (a)
administering to a patient having a tumor an effective amount of a
compound selected from the group consisting of: Palladium
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylimino)-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlori-
n 13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide tripotassium salt;
Palladium
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylamino)-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlori-
n 13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide tripotassium salt;
Palladium 3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(3-phosphopropyl)amide tripotassium salt; Palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide dipotassium salt; and
Palladium 3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1 2-carboxyethyl)amide dipotassium salt; and (b) irradiating
local area of the tumor with an effective dose of light of
appropriate wavelength, wherein the tumor is selected from
melanoma, brain tumor, esophageal tumor, and bladder tumor.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the tumor is melanoma.
53. The method of claim 51, wherein the tumor is brain tumor.
54. The method of claim 51, wherein the tumor is esophageal
tumor.
55. The method of claim 51, wherein the tumor is bladder tumor.
56. The method of claim 51, wherein the compound is Palladium
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylimino)-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlori-
n 13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide tripotassium salt.
57. The method of claim 51, wherein the compound is Palladium
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylamino)-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlori-
n 13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide tripotassium salt.
58. The method of claim 51, wherein the compound is Palladium
3-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(3-phosphopropyl)amide tripotassium salt.
59. The method of claim 51, wherein the compound is Palladium
3-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide dipotassium salt.
60. The method of claim 51, wherein the compound is Palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-rhodobacteriochlorin 13.sup.1
2-carboxyethyl)amide dipotassium salt.
61. The method of claim 51, wherein the light has a wavelength of
about 670-780 nm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/425,473, filed Feb. 6, 2017, abandoned, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/504,347, filed Oct. 1,
2014, abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/890,126, filed May 8, 2013, abandoned, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/942,938, filed Nov. 9,
2010, U.S. Pat. No. 8,461,142, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/534,692, filed Nov. 9, 2005, U.S. Pat. No.
7,947,672, which is the U.S. national stage under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
371 of International Application No. PCT/IL2003/000973, filed Nov.
17, 2003, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn..sctn.
119(a)-(d) and 365(b) to Israeli application No. 152900, filed Nov.
17, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to novel water-soluble anionic
derivatives of bacteriochlorophyll, to their preparation and their
use in methods of in-vivo photodynamic therapy and diagnosis of
tumors and different vascular diseases such as age-related macular
degeneration, as well as in methods of in-vivo and ex-vivo killing
of viruses and microorganisms.
Definitions and Abbreviations
[0003] AMD: age-related macular degeneration; Bchl:
bacteriochlorophyll a--pentacyclic 7,8,17,18-tetrahydroporphyrin
with a 5.sup.th isocyclic ring, a central Mg atom, a phytyl or
geranylgeranyl group at position 17.sup.3, a COOCH.sub.3 group at
position 13.sup.2, an H atom at position 13.sup.2, methyl groups at
positions 2, 7, 12, 18, an acetyl group at position 3, and an ethyl
group at position 8; Bphe: bacteriopheophytin a (Bchl in which
central Mg is replaced by two H atoms); Bpheid:
bacteriopheophorbide a (the C-17.sup.2-free carboxylic acid derived
from BPhe);
Pd-Bpheid: Pd-bacteriopheophorbide a;
[0004] PDT: photodynamic therapy; Rhodobacteriochlorin: tetracyclic
7,8,17,18-tetrahydroporphyrin having a --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2COOH group
at position 17, a --COOH at position 13, methyl groups at positions
2, 7, 12, 18, and ethyl groups at positions 3 and 8.
[0005] IUPAC numbering of the bacteriochlorophyll derivatives is
used throughout the specification. Using this nomenclature, the
natural bacteriochlorophylls carry two carboxylic acid esters at
positions 13.sup.2 and 17.sup.2, however they are esterified at
positions 13.sup.3 and 17.sup.3.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-surgical treatment of
tumors in which non-toxic drugs and non-hazardous photosensitizing
irradiation are combined to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen
species in situ. This technique is more selective than the commonly
used tumor chemotherapy and radiotherapy. To date, porphyrins have
been employed as the primary photosensitizing agents in clinics.
However, current sensitizers suffer from several deficiencies that
limit their application, including mainly: (1) relatively weak
absorption in the visible spectral range which limits the treatment
to shallow tumors; (2) accumulation and long retention of the
sensitizer in the patient skin, leading to prolonged (days to
months) skin phototoxicity; and (3) small or even no
differentiation between the PDT effect on illuminated tumor and
non-tumor tissues. The drawbacks of current drugs inspired an
extensive search for long wavelength absorbing second-generation
sensitizers that exhibit better differentiation between their
retention in tumor cells and skin or other normal tissues.
[0007] In order to optimize the performance of the porphyrin drugs
in therapeutics and diagnostics, several porphyrin derivatives have
been proposed in which, for example, there is a central metal atom
(other than Mg) complexed to the four pyrrole rings, and/or the
peripheral substituents of the pyrrole rings are modified and/or
the macrocycle is dihydrogenated to chlorophyll derivatives
(chlorins) or tetrahydrogenated to bacteriochlorophyll derivatives
(bacteriochlorins).
[0008] Due to their intense absorption in favorable spectral
regions (650-850 nm) and their ready degradation after treatment,
chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll derivatives have been
identified as excellent sensitizers for PDT of tumors and to have
superior properties in comparison to porphyrins, but they are less
readily available and more difficult to handle.
[0009] Bacteriochlorophylls are of potential advantage compared to
the chlorophylls because they show intense near-infrared bands,
i.e. at considerably longer wavelengths than chlorophyll
derivatives.
[0010] The spectra, photophysics, and photochemistry of native
bacteriochlorophylls (Bchls) have made them optimal
light-harvesting molecules with clear advantages over other
sensitizers presently used in PDT. In particular, these molecules
have a very high extinction coefficient at long wavelengths
(.lamda..sub.max=760-780 nm, .epsilon.=(4-10).times.10.sup.4
M.sup.-1cm.sup.-1), where light penetrates deeply into tissues.
They also generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) at a high quantum
yield (depending on the central metal).
[0011] Under normal delivery conditions, i.e. in the presence of
oxygen at room temperature and under normal light conditions, the
BChl moieties are labile and have somewhat lower quantum yields for
triplet state formation, when compared with, e.g., hematoporphyrin
derivative (HPD). However, their possible initiation of biological
redox reactions, favorable spectral characteristics and their ready
degradation in vivo result in the potential superiority of
bacteriochlorophylls over other compounds, e.g. porphyrins and
chlorophylls, for PDT therapy and diagnostics and for killing of
cells, viruses and bacteria in samples and in living tissue.
Chemical modification of bacteriochlorophylls is expected to
further improve their properties, but this has been very limited
due to lack of suitable methods for the preparation of such
modified bacteriochlorophylls.
[0012] The biological uptake and PDT efficacy of metal-free
derivatives of Bchl have been studied with the objective to
manipulate the affinity of the sensitizers to the tumor cellular
compartment. Cardinal to this approach is the use of highly
lipophilic drugs that may increase the accumulation of the drug in
the tumor cells, but also renders its delivery difficult. In
addition, the reported biodistribution shows significant phototoxic
drug levels in non-tumor tissues over prolonged periods (at least
days) after administering the drug.
[0013] In applicant's previous Israel Patent No. 102645 and
corresponding EP 0584552, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,726,169, 5,726,169,
5,955,585 and 6,147,195, a different approach was taken by the
inventors. Highly efficient anti-vascular sensitizers that do not
extravasate from the circulation after administration and have
short lifetime in the blood were studied. It was expected that the
inherent difference between vessels of normal and abnormal tissues
such as tumors or other tissues that rely on neovessels, would
enable relatively selective destruction of the abnormal tissue.
Hence, it was aimed to synthesize Bchl derivatives that are more
polar and, hence, have better chance to stay in the vascular
compartment, where they convey the primary photodynamic effect. To
this end, the geranylgeranyl residue at the C-17 position of Bchl a
(Compound 1, depicted in Scheme 1 herein) has been replaced by
various residues such as amino acids, peptides, or proteins, which
enhance the sensitizer hydrophilicity. One particular derivative,
Bchl-Ser (Scheme 1, Compound 1, wherein R is seryl), was found to
be water-soluble and highly phototoxic in cell cultures. Following
intraperitoneal injection, the Bchl-Ser cleared from the mouse
blood and tissues bi-exponentially in a relatively short time
(t.sub.1/2.about.2 and 16 h, respectively). Clearance from the
circulation was even faster following intravenous injection. Under
the selected treatment protocol (light application within minutes
after drug injection), phototoxicity was predominantly conferred to
the tumor vasculature (Rosenbach-Belkin et al., 1996; Zilberstein
et al., 2001 and 1997). However, unfortunately, like native Bchl,
the Bchl-Ser derivative undergoes rapid photo-oxidation, forming
the corresponding 2-desvinyl-2-acetyl-chlorophyllide ester and
other products.
[0014] To increase the stability of the Bchl derivatives, the
central Mg atom was replaced by Pd in the later applicant's PCT
Publication WO 00/33833 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,846. This heavy
atom was previously shown to markedly increase the oxidation
potential of the Bchl macrocycle and, at the same time, to greatly
enhance the intersystem-crossing (ISC) rate of the molecule to its
triplet state. The metal replacement was performed by direct
incorporation of Pd.sup.2+ ion into a Bpheid molecule, as described
in WO 00/33833. Based on the pigment biodistribution and
pharmacokinetics, it was assumed that the derivative Pd-Bpheid
remained in the circulation for a very short time with practically
no extravasation to other tissues, and is therefore a good
candidate for vascular-targeting PDT that avoids skin
phototoxicity. The treatment effect on the blood vessels was
demonstrated by intravital microscopy of treated blood vessels and
staining with Evans-Blue. Using a treatment protocol with a minimal
drug-to-light interval, Pd-Bpheid (also designated Tookad) was
found to be effective in the eradication of different tumors in
mice, rats and other animal models and is presently entering Phase
I/II clinical trials in patients with prostate cancer that failed
radiation therapy (Chen et al., 2002; Schreiber et al., 2002;
Koudinova et al., 2003).
[0015] Because of its low solubility in aqueous solutions, the
clinical use of Pd-Bpheid requires the use of solubilizing agents
such as Cremophor that may cause side effects at high doses. It
would be highly desirable to render the Pd-Bpheid water-soluble
while retaining its physico-chemical properties. Alternatively, it
would be desirable to prepare Bchl derivatives that are
cytophototoxic and, at the same time, more water-soluble than
Pd-Bpheid itself. Such water solubility is expected to further
enhance the drug retention in the circulation and, thereby, the
aforementioned selectivity. In addition, having no need to use
carriers such as detergents or lyposomes, may prevent side
effects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention relates to a bacteriochlorophyll
derivative containing at least one, preferably two or three,
negatively charged groups and/or acidic groups that are converted
to negatively charged groups at the physiological pH, excluding
pentacyclic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives having a free
CH.sub.2CH.sub.2COOH or a CH.sub.2CH.sub.2COO group at position 17,
and tetracyclic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives devoid of a central
metal atom and having a --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2COOH group at position
17, a --CH.sub.2COOH or --COOH group at position 15, a --COOH group
at position 13, methyl groups at the positions 2, 7, 12, 18, and
ethyl groups at the positions 3 and 8.
[0017] The negatively charged groups according to the invention
include, but are not limite to, carboxylate (COO.sup.-),
thiocarboxylate (COS.sup.-), sulfonate (SO.sub.3.sup.-), and
phosphonate (PO.sub.3.sup.2-), and the acidic groups from which
said charged groups originate at the physiological pH are the
carboxylic (COOH), thiocarboxylic (COSH), sulfonic (SO.sub.3H) and
phosphonic (PO.sub.3H.sub.2) acid groups, respectively.
[0018] In one embodiment, the bacteriochlorophyll derivative has
the formula I or II:
##STR00001##
wherein
[0019] M represents 2H or a metal atom selected from the group
consisting of divalent Pd, Pt, Co, Sn, Ni, Cu, Zn and Mn, and
trivalent Fe, Mn and Cr;
[0020] R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.4 each independently is
Y--R.sub.5;
[0021] Y is O, S or NR.sub.5R.sub.6;
[0022] R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of
--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, --C(.dbd.O)--CH.sub.3, --C(.dbd.O)--H,
--CH.dbd.NR.sub.7, --C(CH.sub.3).dbd.NR.sub.7,
--CH.sub.2--OR.sub.7, --CH.sub.2--SR.sub.7,
--CH.sub.2--NR.sub.7R'.sub.7, --CH(CH.sub.3)--OR.sub.7,
--CH(CH.sub.3)--SR.sub.7, --CH(CH.sub.3)--NR.sub.7R'.sub.7,
--CH(CH.sub.3)Hal, --CH.sub.2--Hal, --CH.sub.2--R.sub.7,
--CH.dbd.CR.sub.7R'.sub.7, --C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CR.sub.7R'.sub.7,
--CH.dbd.CR.sub.7Hal, --C(CH.sub.3)=CR.sub.7Hal, and
--C.ident.CR.sub.7;
[0023] R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R'.sub.7 each independently is
H or selected from the group consisting of:
[0024] (a) C.sub.1-C.sub.25 hydrocarbyl optionally containing one
or more heteroatoms, carbocyclic or heterocyclic moieties, and/or
optionally substituted by one or more functional groups selected
from the group consisting of halogen, oxo, OH, SH, CHO, NH.sub.2,
CONH.sub.2, a negatively charged group, and an acidic group that is
converted to a negatively charged group at the physiological
pH;
[0025] (b) a residue of an amino acid, a peptide or of a protein;
and
[0026] (c) when Y is O or S, R.sub.5 may further be
R.sub.8.sup.+;
[0027] m is 0 or 1; and
[0028] R.sub.8.sup.+ is H.sup.+ or a cation;
[0029] provided that:
[0030] (i) at least one, preferably two, of R.sub.5, R.sub.6,
R.sub.7 and R'.sub.7 is a hydrocarbon chain as defined in (a) above
substituted by a negatively charged group or by an acidic group
that is converted to a negatively charged group at the
physiological pH; or
[0031] (ii) at least one, preferably two, of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and
R.sub.4 is OH, SH, O.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+ or
S.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
[0032] (iii) at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.4 is OH,
SH, O.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+ or S.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+ and at least one
of R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R'.sub.7 is a hydrocarbon chain
substituted by a negatively charged group or by an acidic group
that is converted to a negatively charged group at the
physiological pH; or
[0033] (iv) at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.4 is OH,
SH, O.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+ or S.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+ and at least one
of R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R'.sub.7 is a residue of an amino
acid, a peptide or of a protein; or
[0034] (v) at least one of R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R'.sub.7
is a hydrocarbon chain substituted by a negatively charged group or
by an acidic group that is converted to a negatively charged group
at the physiological pH and at least one of R.sub.5, R.sub.6,
R.sub.7 and R'.sub.7 is a residue of an amino acid, a peptide or of
a protein;
[0035] but excluding the compounds of formula I wherein M is as
defined, R.sub.3 is --C(.dbd.O)CH.sub.3, R.sub.1 is OH or
OR.sub.8.sup.+ and R.sub.2 is --OCH.sub.3, and the compound of
formula II wherein M is 2H, R.sub.3 is --C(.dbd.O)CH.sub.3,
R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.4 are OH, and m is 0 or 1.
[0036] The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions
comprising a bacteriochlorophyll derivative as defined above for
photodynamic therapy (PDT), particularly for vascular-targeting
PDT, for example for PDT of tumors or of age-related macular
degeneration (AMD), or for killing cells or infectious agents
comprising bacteria and viruses in vivo or in vitro, as well as for
diagnostic purposes.
[0037] The invention provides a method for photodynamic therapy
using a photosensitizer, wherein the improvement consists in that
said photosensitizer is a bacteriochlorophyll derivative of the
invention. According to this aspect, the invention relates to a
method for treatment by PDT which comprises administering to an
individual in need an effective amount of a bacteriochlorophyll
derivative of the invention, followed by local irradiation.
[0038] The invention further provides a method for diagnosis of
tumors using a photosensitizer, wherein the improvement consists in
that said photosensitizer is a bacteriochlorophyll derivative of
the invention. According to this aspect, the invention relates to a
method for diagnosis of tumors which comprises administering to an
individual suspected of having a tumor an effective amount of a
bacteriochlorophyll derivative of the invention, followed by local
irradiation and measuring the fluorescence of the suspected area,
wherein a higher fluorescence indicates tumor sites.
[0039] The invention still further provides a method for killing
cells or infectious agents comprising bacteria and viruses, using a
photosensitizer, the improvement wherein said photosensitizer is a
bacteriochlorophyll derivative of the invention. According to this
aspect, the invention relates to a method for sterilization of
biological products, e.g. blood, which comprises adding to said
biological product, e.g. blood, an effective amount of a
bacteriochlorophyll derivative of the invention, followed by
irradiation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0040] The different compounds of the invention are represented in
the following description of the drawings by a bold and underlined
numeral. Their full identification is found in the List of
Compounds at the beginning of the Chemical Section hereinafter.
[0041] FIGS. 1A-1B are graphs showing the phototoxicity of the
sulfonated compound 8 on H5V mouse endothelial cells (FIG. 1A) and
M2R mouse melanoma cells (FIG. 1B). Cells were incubated with
increasing concentrations of 8 for 4 hours, washed and illuminated
(open shapes) or kept in the dark (dark control, closed shapes).
Points are average of triplicates.+-.STD.
[0042] FIGS. 2A-2B are graphs showing the phototoxicity of the
sulfonated compound 4 on H5V mouse endothelial cells (FIG. 2A) and
M2R mouse melanoma cells (FIG. 2B). Cells were incubated with
increasing concentrations of compound 4 for 4 hours, washed and
illuminated (open shapes) or kept in the dark (dark control, closed
shapes). Points are average of triplicates.+-.STD.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the phototoxicity of the
sulfonated compound 5 on M2R mouse melanoma cells. Cells were
incubated with increasing concentrations of compound 5 for 4 hours,
washed and illuminated (circles) or kept in the dark (dark control,
diamonds). Points are average of triplicates.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the phototoxicity of the
sulfonated compound 11 on M2R mouse melanoma cells. Cells were
incubated with increasing concentrations of compound 11 for 4
hours, washed and illuminated (circles) or kept in the dark (dark
control, diamonds). Points are average of triplicates.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a graph showing pharmacokinetics of compound 4 in
CD1 nude mice blood. Following compound 4 injection (6 mg/kg),
blood samples were collected from the same mouse at the indicated
times and Pd was determined. Each time point represents average of
three mice.+-.STD.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows biodistribution of compound 4 in CD1 nude mice.
Mice were sacrificed at different times following compound 4
injection (6 mg/kg), and Pd content was determined for the
indicated organs. Each time point represents average of three
mice.+-.STD.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows PDT of melanoma xenografts with compound 4.
Mice bearing M2R melanoma xenografts were intravenously injected
with compound 4 (6 mg kg.sup.-1) and illuminated for 5 min with
light intensity of 30 J/cm.sup.2 (n=14, filled squares), 39
J/cm.sup.2 (n=8, filled diamonds) or 45 J/cm.sup.2 (n=10, filled
triangles). Mice that were injected with 9 mg kg.sup.-1 of compound
4 were illuminated for 5 min with 30 J/cm.sup.2 (n=10, filled
circles). Control groups: untreated (n=4, open squares), dark
control received 6 mg kg.sup.-1 (n=4, open circles) or 9 mg
kg.sup.-1 (n=5, open triangles) of compound 4, and light control
(n=6, open diamonds, 45 J/cm.sup.2).
[0048] FIG. 8a-8h are photographs showing the selective effect of
PDT in mice bearing rat C6 glioma xenografts and treated with
compound 4. (a-d) PDT treated animal; (e-h) untreated animal. (a)
before treatment; (b) 3 hours after PDT and Evans-Blue (EB)
injection; (c) skin flap of the treated area, 24 hours after PDT;
(d) axial slice of the treated tumor 24 hours after PDT; (e) before
EB injection; (f) 3 hours after EB injection; (g) skin flap 24
hours after EB injection; (h) axial slice of the untreated tumor,
24 hours after EB injection. T-tumor; S-skin; M-muscle;
E-edema.
[0049] FIGS. 9A-9D show semi-thin sections of the lesion center and
TEM 2 hours after occlusive PDT in a rabbit eye model with compound
4 (fluence 50 J/cm2, dose of 5 mg/Kg, and a DLI of 1 minute).
Stasis and dilatation of choroidal vessels with relatively well
preserved RPE cells and retina are observed (9A and 9B). TEM shows
hemolysis of the red blood cells within the choriocapillary lumen
(white arrows of 9D) and disrupted monocytes (white arrowhead).
Bruch's membrane (Bm) is intact harboring well identified retinal
pigment epithelium cells (RPE). Some of the choriocapillary
endothelial cells are markedly altered demonstrating condensed
chromatin (white star on 9C). Abbreviations: ONL: outer nuclear
layer, ROS: rod outer segments, CC: Choriocappilaries, e:
choriocapillary endothelial cells.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] The present invention provides, in a broad aspect,
bacteriochlorophyll derivatives containing at least one, preferably
two or three, negatively charged groups and/or acidic groups that
are converted to negatively charged groups at the physiological pH,
excluding pentacyclic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives having a free
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2COOH or --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2COO.sup.- group at
position 17, and tetracyclic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives devoid
of a central metal atom and having a --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2COOH group
at position 17, a --CH.sub.2COOH or --COOH group at position 15, a
--COOH group at position 13, a methyl group at each of the
positions 2, 7, 12, and 18, and an ethyl group at each of the
positions 3 and 8.
[0051] The bacteriochlorophyll derivatives may be derived from a
natural or synthetic derivative of bacteriochlorophyll, including
compounds in which the central Mg atom has been deleted or replaced
by other metal atoms such as divalent Pd, Pt, Co, Sn, Ni, Cu, Zn
and Mn, and trivalent Fe, Mn and Cr. In preferred embodiments, the
metal atom is absent or it is Pd, Cu, Zn or Mn. In the most
preferred embodiment, the central metal atom is Pd.
[0052] In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides
a bacteriochlorophyll derivative of the formula I or II as defined
hereinabove.
[0053] According to the invention, "hydrocarbyl" as defined for
R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R'.sub.7 means any straight or
branched, saturated or unsaturated, acyclic or cyclic, including
aromatic, hydrocarbyl radicals, of 1-25 carbon atoms, preferably of
1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 6, most preferably 2-3 carbon atoms.
The hydrocarbyl may be an alkyl radical, preferably of 1-4 carbon
atoms, e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, or alkenyl, alkynyl,
cycloalkyl, aryl such as phenyl or an aralkyl group such as benzyl,
or at the position 17 it is a radical derived from natural Chl and
Bchl compounds, e.g. geranylgeranyl (2,6-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl)
or phytyl (2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-hexadec-14-en-16-yl).
[0054] The hydrocarbon chain of R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and/or
R'.sub.7 may optionally contain one or more heteroatoms such as O,
S and/or NH, and/or one or more carbocyclic ring, e.g. phenyl, or
heterocyclic ring, e.g pyridyl, moieties. In one embodiment, the
hydrocarbyl chain contains one or more O atoms and has a OH end
group as represented by an oligooxyethyleneglycol residue of 4 to
10 carbon atoms, preferably pentaoxyethyleneglycol.
[0055] R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and/or R'.sub.7 may also be
hydrocarbyl substituted by one or more functional groups, such as
Cl, CHO, OH, SH, NH.sub.2, CONH.sub.2, COOH, COSH, SO.sub.3H,
PO.sub.3H.sub.2 or by a negatively charged group such as COO.sup.-,
COS.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or PO.sub.3.sup.2-. In one preferred
embodiment, the functional group COOH, COSH, SO.sub.3H,
PO.sub.3H.sub.2, COO.sup.-, COS.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or
PO.sub.3.sup.2- is an end functional group. In most preferred
embodiments, the hydrocarbyl has 2 or 3 carbon atoms and an end
group selected from COO.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.2-, or, most
preferably, SO.sub.3.sup.-.
[0056] In still a further embodiment, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 or
R'.sub.7 may be substituted by more than one OH and optionally
NH.sub.2 groups and may be the residue of a monosaccharide, e.g.,
glucosamine.
[0057] In another embodiment, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 or R'.sub.7
may be the residue of an amino acid, a peptide or a protein. In one
preferred embodiment, R.sub.5 at any of the positions, but
preferably at position 17.sup.3, is the residue of an amino acid, a
peptide or a protein. The amino acid, peptide or protein may be the
source of the negatively charged group if they contain a free
terminal carboxyl group and/or a residue of an amino acid
containing a non-terminal free carboxylic group, e.g. aspartic or
glutamic acid.
[0058] In one embodiment, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 or R'.sub.7 is
the residue of an amino acid or peptide (oligopeptide or
polypeptide) containing a hydroxy group, such as serine, threonine
and tyrosine, or peptides containing them, or a derivative of said
amino acid or peptide selected from esters such as alkyl,
preferably methyl, esters, and N-protected derivatives wherein the
N-protecting group is for example tert-butyloxy, carbobenzoxy or
trityl, and said hydroxylated amino acid or peptide or derivative
thereof is linked to the COO.sup.- group of the BChl derivative
through its hydroxy group. Examples of such amino acid derivatives
are serine methyl ester, N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-serine,
N-trityl-serine methyl ester, tyrosine methyl ester, and
N-tert-butoxy-tyrosine methyl ester, and an example of such a
peptide is N-carbobenzoxy-seryl serine methyl ester, all of them
prepared as described in the above-mentioned EP 0584552.
[0059] In another embodiment, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and/or
R'.sub.7 is the residue of an amino acid or peptide (oligo or
polypeptide) linked to --CO group through an amide bond (Y is
NH).
[0060] In a further embodiment, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 or
R'.sub.7 is the residue of a cell-specific or tissue-specific
ligand selected from peptides and proteins, which are exemplified
by, but not limited to, hormone peptides, for example,
melanocyte-stimulating hormones, e.g. t-MSH, and antibodies, e.g.
immunoglobulins, and tumor-specific antibodies. The peptide or
protein may be linked directly to the --CO group via an ester,
thioester or amide bond, or it may be linked via an ester or amide
bond to an end functional group of the C.sub.1-C.sub.25 hydrocarbyl
radical selected from OH, COOH and NH.sub.2.
[0061] As described in the above-mentioned EP 0584552, by
conjugation of Bchl with different amino acids, and further
conjugation of the Bchl amino acid conjugates with hormones, growth
factors or derivatives thereof, or tumor-specific antibodies, or
any other cell-specific ligands, suitable site-directed
photosensitizers are obtained.
[0062] In one embodiment, the negatively charged group COO.sup.-,
COS.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or PO.sub.3.sup.2- according to the
invention originates from the functional group COOH, COSH,
SO.sub.3H, or PO.sub.3H.sub.2, respectively, of substituted
hydrocarbyl chains of R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and/or R'.sub.7. In
another embodiment, the COOH, COSH, COO.sup.-, and/or COS.sup.-
group is derived from R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.4 being OH or SH,
O.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+ or S.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+, respectively, i.e.,
when a carboxylic or thiocarboxylic group or a carboxylate or
thiocarboxylate anion is present at the position 13.sup.1, 15.sup.1
(m is 0), 15.sup.2 (m is 1), and/or 17.sup.3.
[0063] The cation R.sub.5.sup.+ may be a monovalent or divalent
cation derived from an alkaline or alkaline earth metal such as
K.sup.+, Na.sup.+, Li.sup.+, NH.sub.4.sup.+, Ca.sup.+, more
preferably K.sup.+; or R.sub.8.sup.+ is a cation derived from an
amine.
[0064] In one preferred embodiment, the bacteriochlorophyll
derivative of the invention has the formula I wherein:
[0065] M represents divalent Pd;
[0066] R.sub.1 is --NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3--R.sub.8.sup.+,
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COO.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--PO.sub.3.sup.2-(R.sub.8.sup.+).sub.2;
[0067] R.sub.2 is methoxy; and
[0068] R.sub.3 is --C(.dbd.O)--CH.sub.3;
[0069] R.sub.8.sup.+ is a monovalent cation such as K.sup.+,
Na.sup.+, Li.sup.+, NH.sub.4.sup.+; and
[0070] n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably 2 or 3.
[0071] According to this embodiment, in the compound of formula I,
R.sub.1 is preferably a group
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+, wherein n is 3
and R.sub.8.sup.+ is K.sup.+.
[0072] In another preferred embodiment, the bacteriochlorophyll
derivative of the invention has the formula II wherein:
[0073] M represents 2H, divalent Pd, Cu, or Zn or trivalent Mn;
[0074] R.sub.1 is --O.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+,
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+,
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COO.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--PO.sub.3.sup.2-(R.sub.8.sup.+).sub.2; or
Y--R.sub.5 wherein Y is O, S or NH and R.sub.5 is the residue of an
amino acid, a peptide or a protein;
[0075] R.sub.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy such as methoxy, ethoxy,
propoxy, butoxy, more preferably methoxy;
[0076] R.sub.3 is --C(.dbd.O)--CH.sub.3,
--CH.dbd.N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
--CH.dbd.N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COO.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
--CH.dbd.N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--
PO.sub.3.sup.2-(R.sub.8.sup.+).sub.2;
--CH.sub.2--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COO.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+; or
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--PO.sub.3.sup.2-(R.sub.8.sup.+).sub.2;
[0077] R.sub.4
is-NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COO.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--PO.sub.3.sup.2-(R.sub.8.sup.+).sub.2;
[0078] R.sub.8.sup.+ is a monovalent cation such as K.sup.+,
Na.sup.+, Li.sup.+, NH.sub.4.sup.+, more preferably K.sup.+; m is
1, and n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably 2 or 3.
[0079] In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the
bacteriochlorophyll derivative has the formula II and M is Pd.
[0080] In another more preferred embodiment, the invention relates
to a bacteriochlorophyll derivative of the formula II wherein:
[0081] M is Pd;
[0082] R.sub.1 is --O.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+,
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+, or Y--R.sub.5
wherein Y is O, S or --NH and R.sub.5 is the residue of a protein,
preferably immunoglobulin;
[0083] R.sub.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy such as methoxy, ethoxy,
propoxy, butoxy, more preferably methoxy;
[0084] R.sub.3 is --C(.dbd.O)--CH.sub.3,
--CH.dbd.N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+; or
--CH.sub.2--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
[0085] R.sub.4
is-NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COO.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+;
NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--PO.sub.3.sup.2-(R.sub.8.sup.+).sub.2;
[0086] R.sub.8.sup.+ is a monovalent cation such as K.sup.+,
Na.sup.+, Li.sup.+, NH.sub.4.sup.+, more preferably K.sup.+; and m
is 1, and n is 2 or 3, more preferably 2.
[0087] An example of a bacteriochlorophyll derivative of the
invention having a sole negatively charged group (SO.sub.3--) at
position 17 is represented by the compound of Formula I identified
in the List of Compounds hereinafter as compound 7.
[0088] Examples of bacteriochlorophyll derivatives of the invention
having two negatively charged groups at positions 13 and 17 include
the compounds of Formula II identified in the List of Compounds
hereinafter as compounds 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. In a most
preferred embodiment, the compound of the invention is compound
4.
[0089] Examples of bacteriochlorophyll derivatives of the invention
having three negatively charged groups at positions 3, 13 and 17
include the compounds of formula II identified in the List of
Compounds hereinafter as compounds 9 and 16. The compound 13 has
one negatively charged group at position 13 and a --COOH group as
part of the protein molecule at position 17.sup.3, and the compound
15 has one divalent negatively charged group at position 13 and a
--COO.sup.- group at position 17.sup.3.
[0090] The compounds of the invention can be prepared, for example,
by the methods as depicted in Scheme 1 herein. For the preparation
of compounds wherein R.sub.5 is the residue of an amino acid,
peptide or protein, the methods described in the above-mentioned EP
0584552, particularly the catalytic condensation method, can be
used as shown in Scheme 1 for the reaction with the aminosulfonic
acids taurine and homotaurine.
[0091] Thus, a method for the preparation of compounds of formula
II wherein R.sub.1 is --O.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+; R.sub.2 is
--OCH.sub.3; R.sub.3 is acetyl; R.sub.4 is a group
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3--R.sub.8.sup.+; R.sub.8.sup.+ is a
monovalent cation; m is 1 and n is 1 to 10, comprises: (i) reacting
the corresponding M-bacteriopheophorbide of formula I wherein
R.sub.1 is OH with an aminosulfonic acid of the formula
H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3H in a R.sub.8.sup.+-buffer;
and (ii) isolating the desired compound of formula II.
[0092] For preparation of the compound 4, the method comprises
reacting Pd-bacteriopheophorbide a 3 with taurine of the formula
H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.2--SO.sub.3H in a K.sup.+-buffer, and
isolating the desired compound.
[0093] For preparation of the compound 5, the method comprises
reacting bacteriopheophorbide a 2 with taurine of the formula
H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.2--SO.sub.3H in a K.sup.+-buffer, and
isolating the desired compound.
[0094] For preparation of the Cu and Zn compounds 10, 11, the
method comprises direct insertion of the central metal Cu or Zn
atom by reacting the compound 5 with copper acetate or zinc
acetate, respectively, while for preparation of the Mn compound 12,
insertion of the central metal Mn atom is carried out by
transmetalation by first reacting the compound 5 with cadmium
acetate and then with manganese chloride.
[0095] A method for the preparation of compounds of formula II
wherein R.sub.1 is --O--R.sub.8.sup.+; R.sub.2 is --OCH.sub.3;
R.sub.3 is acetyl; R.sub.4 is a group
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COO.sup.-R.sub.8.sup.+; R.sub.8.sup.+ is a
monovalent cation; m is 1 and n is 1 to 10, comprises: (i) reacting
the corresponding M-bacteriopheophorbide of formula I wherein
R.sub.1 is OH with an aminocarboxylic acid of the formula
H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COOH in a R.sub.8.sup.+-buffer; and
(ii) isolating the desired compound of formula II.
[0096] Thus, for preparation of the compound 14, the method
comprises reacting Pd-bacteriopheophorbide a 3 with .beta.-alanine
of the formula H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.2--COOH in a
K.sup.+-buffer, and isolating the desired compound.
[0097] A method for the preparation of compounds of formula II
wherein R.sub.1 is --O--R.sub.8.sup.+; R.sub.2 is --OCH.sub.3;
R.sub.3 is acetyl; R.sub.4 is a group
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--PO.sub.3.sup.2-(R.sub.8.sup.+).sub.2;
R.sub.8.sup.+ is a monovalent cation; m is 1 and n is 1 to 10,
comprises: (i) reacting the corresponding M-bacterio-pheophorbide
of formula I wherein R.sub.1 is OH with an aminophosphonic acid of
the formula H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--PO.sub.3H.sub.2 in a
R.sub.8-buffer; and (ii) isolating the desired compound of formula
II.
[0098] Thus, for preparation of the compound 15, the method
comprises reacting Pd-bacteriopheophorbide a 3 with
3-amino-1-propanephosphonic acid of the formula
H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--PO.sub.3H.sub.2 in a K.sup.+-buffer,
and isolating the desired compound.
[0099] For the preparation of compounds having the same negatively
charged groups at positions 13 and 17, the corresponding
M-bacteriopheophorbide can be reacted with an excess of the reagent
such as aminosulfonic, aminocarboxylic or aminophosphonic acid as
described above, and isolation of the desired 13,17-disubstituted
derivative of formula II, or a different route can be followed as
depicted in Scheme 1 herein and described below.
[0100] Thus, a method for the preparation of compounds of formula
II wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.4 are each a group
--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3--R.sub.8.sup.+; R.sub.2 is
--OCH.sub.3; R.sub.3 is acetyl; R.sub.8.sup.+ is a monovalent
cation; m is 1 and n is 1 to 10, comprises: (i) coupling the
corresponding M-bacteriopheophorbide of formula I wherein R.sub.1
is OH with N-hydroxy-sulfosuccinimide (sulfo NHS) in the presence
of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC); (ii)
reacting the resulting
M-bacteriopheophorbide-17.sup.3-N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide ester
with an excess of an aminosulfonic acid of the formula
H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3H in a R.sub.8+-buffer, thus
obtaining a compound of formula I having a sole negatively charged
group at position 17; (iii) reacting this product with an excess of
H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3H in a R.sub.8+-buffer; and
isolating the desired compound of formula II.
[0101] For the preparation of the compound 8, the reaction is
carried out with an excess of homotaurine of the formula
H.sub.2N--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--SO.sub.3H.
[0102] When the aminosulfonic acid is replaced by aminocarboxylic
or aminophosphonic acid, the corresponding carboxylate and
phosphonate derivatives are obtained.
[0103] The compounds of the invention, also referred herein
sometimes by the term "pigments", present sufficient high polarity
to be water soluble and injected in aqueous solutions with no added
surfactants. In one embodiment, for the preferred
sulfonated-Pd-Bchl compound j also biodistribution and
pharmacokinetics are shown and, based thereon, it is assumed that
this and the other derivatives of the invention remain in the
circulation, and for a very short time. Therefore they are good
sensitizers for vascular-targeting PDT. Treatment of M2R melanotic
melanoma and HT-29 human colon carcinoma xenografts in mice shown
herein, demonstrate the selective effect of the pigment on the
tumor vasculature. The suggested protocol with sulfonated-Pd-Bchl 4
considered the short clearance time of the drug. On the ground of
their selective effect on the tumor vasculature, these compounds
can be used for tumor as well as age-related macular degeneration
and other tissues abnormalities that depend on
neovascularization.
[0104] Thus, in another aspect, the present invention provides a
pharmaceutical composition comprising a bacteriochlorophyll
derivative of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition
comprises a bacteriochlorophyll derivative of formula I or II
herein, more preferably a sulfonated derivative of formula II, most
preferably the compound 4.
[0106] The anionic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives of the present
invention are formulated into final pharmaceutical compositions for
administration to the patient or applied to an in vitro target
using techniques well-known in the art, for example, as summarized
in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co.,
Easton, Pa., latest edition. The compositions can be administered
systemically, in particular by injection, or can be used
topically.
[0107] The anionic Bchl compounds of the invention have similar
optical absorption and photophysical characteristics as the
respective non-anionic Bchls and, therefore, once residing within
the treated tissue, they are expected to be efficient photodynamic
agents. They can thus be useful as photosensitizers as therapeutic
and diagnostic agents, for example for treatment of several cancer
types such as, but not limited to, melanoma, prostate, brain,
colon, ovarian, breast, skin, lung, esophagus and bladder cancers
and other hormone-sensitive tumors, as well as for treatment of
age-related macular degeneration, and for killing cells, viruses,
fungi and bacteria in samples and living tissues as well known in
the art of PDT and other photosensitizer applications.
[0108] The new water-soluble Bchl derivatives of the invention are
useful, for example, in sensitizing neoplastic cells or other
abnormal tissue to destruction by irradiation either in vivo or ex
vivo using light of appropriate wavelength. It is believed that the
energy of photoactivation is transferred to endogenous oxygen to
convert it to singlet oxygen, and/or other reactive oxygen species
(ROS) such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, which are
considered to be responsible for the cytotoxic effect. In addition,
the photoactivated forms of the Bchls fluoresce, which fluorescence
can aid in localizing tumors or other sites to which the Bchl
derivative is administered.
[0109] Examples of indications, known in the art, that can be
treated with the bacteriochlorophyll derivatives of the present
invention, include destruction of tumor tissue in solid tumors and
dissolution of plaques in blood vessels (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
4,512,762). Particularly, these derivatives are suitable for
vascular-targeted PDT because of their minimal retention in the
circulation and because they are taken-up only minimally by
non-circulating tissues such as skin and muscle. Thus, these
compounds enable reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation limited
to the interior vessels upon excitation and, thereby, cause
selective response of abnormal vessels such as those present in
tumors and age-related macular degeneration. In addition, the
bacteriochlorophyll derivatives are useful for selective
destruction in treatment of topical conditions such as acne,
athlete's foot, warts, papilloma, and psoriasis, for treatment of
benign prostate hypertrophy and for sterilization of biological
products such as blood for transfusion, by destruction of
infectious agents.
[0110] The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention will be
administered to the patient by standard procedures used in PDT. The
amount of the anionic Bchl derivative of the invention to be
administered to an individual in need and the route of
administration will be established according to the experience
accumulated with other porphyrins used in PDT, and will vary
depending on the choice of the derivative used as active
ingredient, the condition, e.g. the kind of tumor, to be treated,
the stage of the disease, age and health conditions of the patient,
and the judgement of the physician, but will be much lower than
currently used dosage of Photofrin II of about 20-40 mg HPD/kg body
weight. The preferable routes of administration are intravenous or
direct injection into the solid tumor of the aqueous solution of
the active compound comprising conventional pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers and additives, and topical treatment of skin
tumors with suitable topical compositions.
[0111] The wavelenght of irradiating light is preferably chosen to
match the maximum absorbance of the bacteriochlorophyll
photosensitizer. The suitable wavelength for any of the compounds
can readily be determined from its absorption spectrum.
[0112] In addition to in vivo use, the anionic Bchl derivatives of
the invention can be used in the treatment of materials in vitro to
kill harmful viruses or infectious agents, such as harmful
bacteria. For example, blood and blood plasma to be used for future
transfusion can be treated with a Bchl of the invention and
irradiated to effect sterilization.
[0113] The conjugation of proteins, e.g., hormones, growth factors
or their derivatives, antibodies, peptides that bind specifically
to target cells receptors, and of cell nutrients, e.g. tyrosine, to
the Bchl moiety is meant to increase their retention in tumor and
treated sites. Increasing the red shift allows for a greater depth
of penetration, while keeping the ubiquity of the natural system.
Replacement of the Mg by other metals is meant to optimize the
intrinsic and metabolic stability of the Bchl moiety and its
intersystem crossing to the excited triplet state, and also opens
the possibility for new diagnostic procedures.
[0114] Tumor-specific antibodies and peptides that have high
affinity to neoendothelial cells will preferentially target the
Bchl moieties to the tumor or treated site, while hormones and cell
nutrients may also be taken up by the normal non-transformed
counterparts. However, the cells selected as targets to hormones
and cell nutrients, such as melanocytes and neoendothelial cells
are scattered among other cells under normal conditions and when
transformed into malignant cells, cluster into solid tumors. As a
result, the concentration of the photosensitizer in the vascular
and/or cellular compartments of the malignant tissue is expected to
increase dramatically relative to its concentration in the normal
tissue, where cells are more dispersed, assuring amplification of
the PDT effect in the tumor site. This enables effective use of
light doses, lower than the damaging threshold of the normal
tissue, thus reducing the need for spatially well-defined
irradiation. In addition, having very strong fluorescence, the
site-directed Bchl can be used for fluorescence labeling of the
tumor site(s) or other targets.
[0115] In one most preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the target for treatment with the sensitizers of the invention are
abnormal blood vessels, particularly blood vessels of solid tumors
and age-related macular degeneration, due to the inherent
difference of sensitivity of normal and abnormal blood vessels to
the suggested PDT protocols described herein.
[0116] The invention further relates to a method of photodynamic
therapy, which comprises administering to an individual in need an
effective amount of a Bchl derivative of the invention, followed by
local irradiation.
[0117] In one embodiment, the PDT method of the invention is used
for treatment of cancer and comprises administering to a patient
afflicted with a solid tumor cancer a therapeutically effective
amount of a Bchl derivative according to the invention, and then
irradiating the tumor site with strong light sources at 670-780
nm.
[0118] The Bchl derivatives of the invention are also useful for
photodestruction of normal or malignant animal cells as well as of
microorganisms in culture, enabling selective photodestruction of
certain types of cells in culture or infective agents; for
targeting of the porphyrin moiety to selected cells by attachment
to specific polypeptides, such as hormones or other receptor
ligands, to cell- or tissue-specific antibodies or to other
ligands, e.g., lectins; for fluorescent labeling/tagging of
molecules for analytical purposes in laboratory, diagnostic and
industrial applications; and for fluorescent labeling of animal
cells or microorganisms or particles for laboratory, diagnostic or
industrial applications. They can replace several of the currently
used fluorescence tags, such as fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)
or phycoerythrine, due to their superior extinction coefficients
and higher fluorescence yield.
[0119] For diagnostic purposes, the Bchl derivatives of the
invention may be used alone or may be labeled with a radioisotope
or other detecting means as known in the art. For example, the Bchl
derivative can be radioactively-labeled by standard procedures,
e.g., with .sup.67Ga, .sup.111In, .sup.201Tl, .sup.99mTc, and the
radioactive diagnostic agent is administered to the patient,
preferably by intravenous injection. After some hours, the locus of
the cancer may be imaged by standard procedures.
[0120] The invention further provides the use of the Bchl
derivatives of the invention for ex-vivo or in vitro killing of
cells or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and
fungi in a biological product, e.g. blood, which comprises treating
the infected sample with the compound of the invention followed by
illumination of the sample.
[0121] The invention will now be illustrated by the following
non-limitative Examples.
EXAMPLES
[0122] For convenience and better understanding, the section of the
Examples is divided into two subsections: (I) the Chemical Section,
describing the synthesis of the water-soluble derivatives and
intermediates 4-16, and (II) the Biological Section, describing the
biological activity of the new Bchl derivatives.
I Chemical Section
[0123] In the Examples herein, the derivatives of the invention
(4-5, 7-9, and 10-16) and the intermediates (1-3, and 6) will be
presented by their respective Arabic numbers in bold and underlined
according to the following List of Compounds. The corresponding
formulas appear in the Scheme at the end of the specification, just
before the claims.
List of Compounds
1. Bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a)
2. Bacteriopheophorbide a (Bpheid a)
3. Pd-Bacteriopheophorbide a (Pd-Bpheid a)
[0124] 4. Palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfo-ethyl)amide dipotassium salt [Example 1] 5.
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide dipotassium salt [Example 2] 6.
Palladium bacteriopheophorbide a
17.sup.3-(3-sulfo-1-oxysuccinimide) ester sodium salt [Example 6]
7. Palladium Bacteriopheophorbide a 17.sup.3-(3-sulfopropyl)amide
potassium salt [Example 7] 8. Palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide dipotassium salt [Example
8] 9. Palladium
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylimino)-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobact-
erio-chlorin 13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide tripotassium
salt [Example 9] 10. Copper(II)
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide dipotassium salt [Example 3] 11. Zinc
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl) amide dipotassium salt [Example 4] 12.
Manganese(III)
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide dipotassium salt [Example 5] 13.
Palladium 3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide, 17.sup.3-(N-immunoglobulin G)amide
potassium salt] [Example 10] 14. Palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-carboxyethyl)amide dipotassium salt [Example 11] 15.
Palladium 3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(3-phosphopropyl)amide tripotassium salt [Example 12] 16.
Palladium
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylamino)-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobact-
erio-chlorin 13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide tripotassium
salt [Example 13]
Materials and Methods
[0125] (i) Bchl a (1) was extracted and purified from lyophilized
cells of Rhodovolum Sulfidophilum as previously described (WO
00/33833).
[0126] (ii) Palladium bacteriopheophorbide (Pd-Bpheid, 3) was
either prepared as previously described (WO 00/33833) or it was
obtained from Steba Biotech Ltd. through Negma-Lerads, France.
[0127] (iii) 3-Amino-1-propane sulfonic acid (homotaurine) and
3-amino-1-propane phosphonic acid were purchased from Aldrich
(USA), and 2-aminoethane sulfonic acid (taurine) and
3-aminopropionic acid (3-alanine) were purchased from Sigma (USA),
N-hydroxy-sulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS) was purchased from Pierce
(USA), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) was
purchased from Fluka (Switzerland).
[0128] (iv) Chemicals and solvents of analytical grade were
generally used except when performing HPLC, where HPLC-grade
solvents were applied.
[0129] (v) TLC: silica plates (Kieselgel-60, Merck, Germany);
chloroform-methanol (4:1, v/v).
[0130] (vi) .sup.1H Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were
recorded on Avance DPX 250 instrument (Bruker, France) and reported
in ppm (.delta.) downfield from tetramethylsilane with residual
solvent peaks as the internal standards.
[0131] (vii) The extinction coefficients of the Pd-derivatives were
determined by correlating the Pd concentration (using flame
photometry with PdCl.sub.2 as a standard) with the optical density
of the examined solution at the particular wavelength.
[0132] (viii) Electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI-MS) were
recorded on a platform LCZ spectrometer (Micromass, England).
[0133] (ix) Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
was performed for determination of Pd concentrations using an
ELAN-6000 instrument (Perkin Elmer, CT).
[0134] (x) Optical absorption of the different complexes was
recorded with Genesis-2 (Milton Roy, England) and V-570 (JASCO,
Japan) spectrophotometers.
[0135] (xi) HPLC was performed using an LC-900 instrument (JASCO,
Japan) equipped with a UV-915 diode-array detector.
CHEMICAL EXAMPLES
Example 1. Palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide dipotassium salt (Compound 4)
[0136] Nine hundred and thirty five (935) mg of Pd-Bpheid (3) were
dissolved in a 1 L round bottom flask with 120 ml of DMSO while
stirring under Argon (bubbled in the solution). Taurine (1288 mg)
was dissolved in 40 ml of 1M K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 buffer, and the pH of
the solution was adjusted to 8.2 (with HCl). This aqueous solution
was added into the DMSO solution while stirring, and the Argon was
bubbled in the solution for another 20 minutes. Then the reaction
mixture was evaporated at 30.degree. C. for 3.5 hours under
.about.2 mbar and then for another 2 hours at 37.degree. C. to a
complete dryness. The dry solids were dissolved in 300 ml of MeOH
and the colored solution was filtered through cotton wool to get
rid of buffer salts and taurine excess.
[0137] The progress of the reaction was determined by TLC(R.sub.f
of unreacted Pd-Bpheid is 0.8-0.85 and of the reaction (aminolysis)
product is 0.08-0.1) and by following the optical absorption
spectrum of the reaction mixture after liophylization and
resolubilization in MeOH. The absorption spectrum was characterized
by a Q.sub.y transition shift from 756 nm (for Pd-Bpheid) to 747 nm
(for the product 4) and by Q.sub.x shift from 534 nm of Pd-Bpheid
to 519 nm (of the product 4). The MeOH was evaporated and the
product 4 was purified by HPLC with ODS-A 250X20 S10P .mu.m column
(YMC, Japan). Solvent A: 95% 0.005 M phosphate buffer, pH 8.0 and
5% MeOH. Solvent B: 100% MeOH. The dry solid was dissolved in 42 ml
of distilled water and injected in portions of 1.5 ml each.
[0138] The elution profile is described in Table 1. The product 4
(Scheme 1, see below) was eluted and collected at .about.9-11
minutes. The main impurities, collected after at 4-7 min (ca
5-10%), corresponded to byproduct(s) with the proposed structure 7.
Peaks at 22-25 min (ca 2-5%) possibly corresponded to the iso-form
of the main product 4 and untreated Pd-Bpheid residues.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Gradient profile of purification of compound
4 Time (min) Flow(ml/min) A % B % 0 12 55 45 14 12 30 70 14.1 6 30
70 16 6 0 100 18 6 0 100 24 6 55 45 29 6 55 45 30 0.5 55 45
[0139] The solvent (aqueous methanol) was evaporated under reduced
pressure. Then, the purified product 4] was re-dissolved in
.about.150 ml MeOH and filtered through cotton wool. The solvent
was evaporated again and the solid pigment 4 was stored under Ar in
the dark at -20.degree. C. The reaction yield: .about.90% (by
weight, relative to 3).
[0140] The structure of product 4 was confirmed by electrospray
mass spectroscopy. (ESI-MS, negative mode, FIG. 2), (peaks at 875
(M.sup.--K--H), 859 (M.sup.--2K--H+Na), 837 (M.sup.--2K), 805
(M2K--H--OMe), 719) and .sup.1H-NMR spectrum (FIG. 4 in
MeOH-d.sub.4). Table 4 provides the shifts (in ppm units) of the
major NMR peaks.
[0141] Optical absorption (UV-VIS) spectrum (MeOH): .lamda., 747
(1.00), 516 (0.13), 384 (0.41), 330 (0.50); .epsilon..sub.747
(MeOH) is 1.2.times.10.sup.5 mol.sup.-1 cm.sup.-1.
[0142] NMR (MeOH-d.sub.4): 9.38 (5-H, s), 8.78 (10-H, s), 8.59
(20-H, s), 5.31 and 4.95 (15.sup.1-CH.sub.2, dd), 4.2-4.4
(7,8,17,18-H, m), 3.88 (15.sup.3-Me, s), 3.52 (2.sup.1-Me, s), 3.19
(12.sup.1-Me, s), 3.09 (3.sup.2-Me, s), 1.92-2.41, 1.60-1.75
(17.sup.1, 17.sup.2--CH.sub.2, m), 2.19 (8.sup.1-CH.sub.2, m), 1.93
(7.sup.1-Me, d), 1.61 (18.sup.1-Me, d), 1.09 (8.sup.2-Me, t), 3.62,
3.05 (CH.sub.2's of taurine).
[0143] Octanol/water partition ratio is 40:60.
Example 2. Preparation of
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide dipotassium salt (Compound 5)
[0144] One hundred and sixty (160) mg of taurine were dissolved in
5 ml of 1M K.sub.2HPO.sub.4 buffer, and the pH of the solution was
adjusted to 8.2. This solution was added to 120 mg of compound 2
dissolved in 15 ml of DMSO, and the reaction and following
purification were analogous to those described in previous
Example.
[0145] Absorption spectrum (MeOH): .lamda., 750 (1.00), 519 (0.30),
354 (1.18) nm.
[0146] ESI-MS (-): 734 (M.sup.--2K).
[0147] NMR (MeOH-d.sub.4): 9.31 (5-H, s), 8.88 (10-H, s), 8.69
(20-H, s), 5.45 and 5.25 (15.sup.1-CH.sub.2, dd), 4.35 (7,18-H, m),
4.06 (8,17-H, m), 4.20 and 3.61 (2-CH.sub.2, m of taurine), 3.83
(15.sup.3-Me, s), 3.63 (2.sup.1-Me, s), 3.52 (3-CH.sub.2, m of
taurine), 3.33 (12.sup.1-Me, s), 3.23 (3.sup.2-Me, s), 2.47 and
2.16 (17.sup.1-CH.sub.2, m), 2.32 and 2.16 (8.sup.1-CH.sub.2, m),
2.12 and 1.65 (17.sup.2-CH.sub.2, m), 1.91 (7.sup.1-Me, d), 1.66
(18.sup.1-Me, d), 1.07 (8.sup.2-Me, t).
[0148] Octanol/water partition ratio is 60:40.
Example 3. Preparation of copper(II)
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide dipotassium salt (Compound 10)
[0149] Fifty (50) mg of compound 5 of Example 2 and 35 mg of copper
(II) acetate were dissolved in 40 ml of methanol, and argon was
bubbled into solution for 10 minutes. Then 500 mg of palmitoyl
ascorbate was added, and the solution was stirred for 30 min. The
absorption spectrum was characterized by a Q.sub.y transition shift
from 750 nm (for 5) to 768 nm (for the product 10) and by Q.sub.x
shift from 519 nm of 5 to 537 nm (of the product 10). Then the
reaction mixture was evaporated, re-dissolved in acetone and
filtered through cotton wool to get rid of acetate salt excess. The
acetone was evaporated and the product was additionally purified by
HPLC at the conditions mentioned above with the elution profile,
described in Table 2.
[0150] The solvent (aqueous methanol) was evaporated under reduced
pressure. Then, the purified pigment 10 was re-dissolved in
methanol and filtered through cotton wool. The solvent was
evaporated again and the solid pigment 10 was stored under Ar in
the dark at -20.degree. C. Reaction yield: .about.90%.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Gradient profile of purification of compound
10 Time (min) Flow(ml/min) A % B % 0 12 58 42 14 12 45 55 14.1 6 45
55 16 6 0 100 18 6 0 100 24 6 58 42 29 6 58 42 30 0.5 58 42
[0151] Absorption spectrum (MeOH): .lamda., 768 (1.00), 537 (0.22),
387 (0.71) and 342 (0.79) nm.
[0152] ESI-MS (-): 795 (M.sup.--2K).
[0153] Octanol/water partition ratio is 40:60.
Example 4. Preparation of zinc
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide dipotassium salt (Compound 11)
[0154] Zn insertion into compound 5 was carried out with Zn acetate
in acetic acid as previously described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,726,169).
Final purification was carried out by HPLC in the same conditions
as for compound 5 in Example 2 above.
[0155] Absorption spectrum (MeOH): .lamda., 762 (1.00), 558 (0.26),
390 (0.62) and 355 (0.84) nm.
[0156] Octanol/water partition ratio is 50:50.
Example 5. Preparation of manganese(III)
31-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide dipotassium salt (Compound 12)
[0157] Mn insertion into compound 5 was carried out with Zn acetate
in acetic acid as previously described (WO 97/19081; U.S. Pat. No.
6,333,319) with some modifications. Thus, fifty (50) mg of compound
5 in 10 ml of DMF were stirred with 220 mg of cadmium acetate and
heated under argon atmosphere at 110.degree. C. about 15 min
(Cd-complex formation is monitored by shifting Q.sub.x transition
absorption band from 519 to 585 nm in acetone). Then the reaction
mixture was cooled and evaporated. The dry residue was re-dissolved
in 15 ml of acetone and stirred with manganese (II) chloride to
form the Mn(III)-product 12. The product formation is monitored by
shifting Q.sub.x transition band from 585 to 600 nm and Q.sub.y
transition band from 768 to 828 nm in acetone. The acetone was
evaporated and the product 12 was additionally purified by HPLC in
the conditions mentioned in Example 2 above with the elution
profile described in Table 3 below where the] solvent system
consists of: A--5% aqueous methanol, B--methanol.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Gradient profile of purification of compound
12 Time (min) Flow(ml/min) A % B % 0 8 95 5 14 8 55 45 14.1 8 55 45
16 8 0 100 18 8 0 100 24 8 95 5 29 8 95 5 30 0.5 95 5
[0158] The solvent (aqueous methanol) was evaporated under reduced
pressure and the solid pigment 12 was stored under Ar in the dark
at -20.degree. C.
[0159] Absorption spectrum (MeOH): .lamda., 828 (1.00), 588 (0.32)
and 372 (0.80) nm.
[0160] Octanol/water partition ratio is 5:95.
Example 6. Preparation of palladium bacteriopheophorbide a
17.sup.3-(3-sulfo-1-oxy-succinimide)ester sodium salt (Compound
6)
[0161] Fifty (50) mg of Pd-Bpheid (compound 2), 80 mg of
N-hydroxy-sulfosuccinimide (sulfoNHS) and 65 mg of
1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) were mixed in 7
ml of dry DMSO for overnight at room temperature. Then the solvent
was evacuated under reduced pressure. The dry residue was
re-dissolved in chloroform (ca. 50 ml), filtered from insoluble
material, and evaporated. The conversion was ab. 95% (TLC). The
product 6 was used later on without further chromatographic
purification. ESI-MS (-): 890 (M.sup.--Na).
[0162] NMR (CDCl.sub.3): 9.19 (5-H, s), 8.49 (10-H, s), 8.46 (20-H,
s), 5.82 (13.sup.2-H, s), 4.04-4.38 (7,8,17,18-H, m), 3.85
(13.sup.4-Me, s), 3.47 (2.sup.1-Me, s), 3.37 (12.sup.1-Me, s), 3.09
(3.sup.2-Me, s), 1.77 (7.sup.1-Me, d), 1.70 (18.sup.1-Me, d), 1.10
(8.sup.2-Me, t), 4.05 (CH.sub.2 of sNHS), 3.45 (CH of s NHS).
Example 7. Preparation of palladium bacteriopheophorbide a
17.sup.3-(3-sulfopropyl) amide potassium salt (Compound 7)
[0163] Ten (10) mg of compound 6 in 1 ml of DMSO was mixed with 20
mg of homotaurine (3-amino-1-propane-sulfonic acid) in 1 ml of 0.1
M K-phosphate buffer, pH 8.0 for overnight. Then the reaction
mixture was partitioned in chloroform/water. The organic layer was
dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated. The dry residue
was re-dissolved in chloroform-methanol (19:1) and applied to a
chromatographic column with silica. The product 2 was obtained with
chloroform-methanol (4:1) elution. The yield was about 80-90%.
[0164] ESI-MS (-): 834 (M-K) m/z.
[0165] NMR (MeOH-d.sub.4): 9.16 (5-H, s), 8.71 (10-H, s), 8.60
(20-H, s), 6.05 (13.sup.2-H, s), 4.51, 4.39, 4.11, 3.98
(7,8,17,18-H, all m), 3.92 (13.sup.4-Me, s), 3.48 (2.sup.1-Me, s),
3.36 (12.sup.1-Me, s), 3.09 (3.sup.2-Me, s), 2.02-2.42 (17.sup.1
and 17.sup.2-CH.sub.2, m), 2.15 (8.sup.1-CH.sub.2, q), 1.81
(7.sup.1-Me, d), 1.72 (18.sup.1-Me, d), 1.05 (8.sup.2-Me, t), 3.04,
2.68, and 2.32 (CH.sub.2's of homotaurine, m).
Example 8. Preparation of palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodo-bacteriochlorin
13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide dipotassium salt (Compound
8)
[0166] Ten (10) mg of compound 6 or 7 were dissolved in 3 ml of
DMSO, mixed with 100 mg of homotaurine in 1 ml of 0.5 M K-phosphate
buffer, pH 8.2, and incubated overnight at room temperature. The
solvent was then evacuated under reduced pressure as described
above, and the product 8 was purified on HPLC. Yield: 83%.
[0167] Absorption spectrum (MeOH): 747 (1.00), 516 (0.13), 384
(0.41), 330 (0.50), E.sub.747=1.3.times.10.sup.5
mol.sup.-lcm.sup.-1.
[0168] ESI-MS(-):1011 (M.sup.--K), 994 (M.sup.--2K+Na), 972
(M.sup.--2K), 775 (M.sup.--2K--CO.sub.2Me-homotaurine
NHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2SO.sub.3), 486 ([M-2K]/2)
[0169] NMR (MeOH-d.sub.4): 9.35 (5-H, s), 8.75 (10-H, s), 8.60
(20-H, s), 5.28 and 4.98 (15.sup.1.quadrature.-CH.sub.2, dd), 4.38,
4.32, 4.22, 4.15 (7,8,17,18-H, all m), 3.85
(15.sup.3.quadrature.-Me, s), 3.51 (2.sup.1-Me, s), 3.18
(12.sup.1-Me, s), 3.10 (3.sup.2-Me, s 2.12-2.41 (17.sup.1-CH.sub.2,
m), 2.15-2.34 (8.sup.1-CH.sub.2, m), 1.76-2.02 (17.sup.2-CH.sub.2,
m), 1.89 (7.sup.1-Me, d), 1.61 (18.sup.1-Me, d), 1.07 (8.sup.2-Me,
t). 3.82, 3.70, 3.20, 3.10, 2.78, 2.32, 1.90 (CH.sub.2's of
homotaurine at C-13.sup.1 and C-17.sup.3)
Example 9. Palladium
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylimino)-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodo-bacteriochlor-
in 13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide tripotassium salt
(Compound 9)
[0170] Compound 9 was obtained from HPLC as a minor product during
synthesis of 8.
[0171] Absorption spectrum (MeOH): 729 (1.00), 502 (0.10), 380
(0.69), 328 (0.57).
[0172] ESI-MS (30.4.2000): 1171 (M-K+H), 1153 (M.sup.--2K--H+Na),
1131 (M-2K), 566 ([M-K]/2), 364 ([M-3K]/3).
[0173] NMR (MeOH-d.sub.4): 8.71 (1H), 8.63 (1.5H), 8.23 (0.5H) (5-,
10- and 20-H, all-m), 5.30 and 4.88 (15.sup.1-CH.sub.2, dd), 4.43
and 4.25 (7,8,17,18-H, m), 3.85 (15.sup.3.quadrature.-Me, s), 3.31
(2.sup.1-Me, s), 3.22 (12.sup.1-Me, s), 3.17 (3.sup.2-Me, m),
1.89-2.44 (17.sup.1 and 17.sup.2-CH.sub.2, m), 2.25
(8.sup.1-CH.sub.2, m), 1.91 (7.sup.1-Me, s), 1.64 (18.sup.1-Me, s),
1.08 (8.sup.2-Me, t), 4.12, 3.56, 3.22, 3.16, 2.80 and 2.68
(CH.sub.2's of homotaurine).
Example 10. Palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-sulfoethyl)amide, 17.sup.3-(N-immunoglobulin G)amide
potassium salt (Compound 13)
[0174] Ten (10) mg of compound 4 were reacted with 20 mg of
sulfo-NHS and 15 mg of EDC in 1 ml of dry DMSO for 1 hour at room
temperature, then rabbit IgG (0.6 mg) in PBS (2.5 ml) was added,
and the mixture was further incubated overnight at room
temperature. The mixture was evaporated to dryness, then
re-dissolved in 1 ml of PBS and loaded on Sephadex G-25 column
equilibrated with PBS. A colored band was eluted with 4-5 ml of
PBS. The pigment/protein ratio in the obtained conjugate 13 was
determined by optical density at 753 and 280 nm, respectively, and
varied between 0.5/1 to 1/1 of pigment 13/protein.
Example 11. Preparation of palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(2-carboxyethyl)amide dipotassium salt (Compound 14)
[0175] The preparation and purification of the title compound 14
were carried out as described in Example 2, by reaction of compound
2 with 3-aminopropionic acid (H-alanine) (150 mg) instead of
taurine. Yield: 85%.
Example 12. Preparation of palladium
3.sup.1-oxo-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlorin
13.sup.1-(3-phosphopropyl)amide tripotassium salt (Compound 15)
[0176] The preparation and purification of the title compound 15
were carried out as described in Example 2, by reaction of compound
2 with 3-amino-1-propanephosphonic acid (180 mg) instead of
taurine. Yield: 68%.
Example 13. Palladium
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylamino)-15-methoxycarbonylmethyl-Rhodobacteriochlori-
n 13.sup.1,17.sup.3-di(3-sulfopropyl)amide tripotassium salt
(Compound 16)
[0177] For reduction of the imine group in
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylimino) to the correspondent
3.sup.1-(3-sulfopropylamino) group, compound 9 (8 mg) was reacted
by stirring with sodium cyanoborohydride (15 mg) in 5 ml of
methanol overnight at room temperature. Then the reaction mixture
was treated with 0.05 M HCl (5 ml), neutralized with 0.01 M KOH,
and evaporated. The title product 16 was purified using HPLC
conditions as described in Example 2. Yield: 80-90%.
II Biological Section
Materials and Methods
In Vitro Studies
[0178] (i) Cell Culture.
[0179] M2R mouse melanoma, H5V mouse endothelial and C6 rat glioma
cells were cultured as monolayers in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's
medium (DMEM)/F12 containing 25 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 10% fetal bovine
serum (FBS), glutamine (2 mM), penicillin (0.06 mg/ml), and
streptomycin (0.1 mg/ml) (hereinafter referred to as the "Culture
Medium"). Cells were grown at 37.degree. C. in an 8%
CO.sub.2-humidified atmosphere.
[0180] (ii) Phototoxicity Assay.
[0181] To determine the photodynamic efficacy, cells were
preincubated with increasing concentrations of the pigments in the
dark for the times and conditions as indicated for the individual
experiments. Unbound sensitizer was removed by washing the cells
once with culture medium, and the plates were illuminated at room
temperature from the bottom (.lamda.>650 nm, 12 J/cm.sup.2). The
light source was a 100 W Halogen lamp (Osram, Germany) equipped
with a 4-cm water filter. The cultures were placed in the culture
incubator and cell survival was determined 24 h after illumination,
by Neutral Red viability assay. Three kinds of controls were used:
(i) light control: cells illuminated in the absence of pigments;
(ii) dark control: cells treated with pigments but kept in the
dark; and (iii) untreated cells that were kept in the dark.
[0182] In Vivo Studies
[0183] (iii) Tumor Implantation.
[0184] M2R or C6 cells (2.times.10.sup.6) were implanted
subcutaneously on the back of the mice; tumors developed to the
treatment size (6-8 mm) within 2-3 weeks.
[0185] (iv) Preparation of Sensitizer.
[0186] Stock solutions of the compounds of the invention were
prepared prior to use by dissolving the dry pigment directly in PBS
to the desired concentration for injection.
[0187] (v) Biodistribution and Pharmacokinetics.
[0188] Pigment 4 of the invention (6 mg/kg body) was injected to
CD1 nude mice via tail vein. Mice were sacrificed at the indicated
times, and samples of the indicated organs or tissues were placed
and weighed in pre-weighted vials and immediately frozen on dry
ice. For examination, each sample was thawed and homogenized (1:10
w/v) in double-distilled water. Aliquots of the homogenate (0.5 ml)
were lyophilized in Eppendorff test tubes. Then 0.2 ml of HNO.sub.3
(70%, TraceSelect, Fluka) was added to each dry sample, incubated
for 1 h at 90.degree. C. and diluted in double-distilled water to
10 ml. Palladium concentrations were determined by ICP-MS.
Background was determined for each organ/tissue on identical
samples taken from untreated mice, and values were subtracted
accordingly.
[0189] (vi) PDT Protocol.
[0190] The M2R tumor-bearing mice were anesthetized and the pigment
was injected intravenously (i.v.) via the tail vein. The tumors
were immediately illuminated transcutaneously for 5 min by 755 nm
diode laser (CeramOptec, Germany) with light dose of either 30
J/cm2 (100 mW/cm2), 39 J/cm2 (130 mW/cm2) or 45 J/cm2 (150 mW/cm2).
After the treatment, the mice were returned to the cage. In the
dark control group, the mice were injected i.v. with sensitizer and
placed in the dark cage for 24 h. In the light control group, the
mice were illuminated with 45 J/cm.sup.2.
[0191] (vii) Vascular Shutdown and Permeability.
[0192] Mice bearing C6 glioma tumor xenografts were treated with
pigment 4 (9 mg/kg) and light (100 mW/cm.sup.2 for 5 min).
Immediately after treatment, Evans Blue (EB; 1% in PBS) was
injected (0.5 ml, i.p.). Mice were photographed at 3 and 24 hours
after treatment. The mice were sacrificed 24 hours after treatment
and skin flap was made for each mouse and photographed. Then the
tumor was removed with the skin above it, frozen for 1 hour at
-20.degree. C., and then axial slice was made and the slice was
photographed. Control mice were injected with Evans Blue at the
same time as the treated mice, and the protocol was continued as
described above for all the mice together.
Example 14. Cytophotoxicity of the Sulfonated Bacteriochlorophyll
Derivatives Against Tumor Cell Cultures
[0193] The phototoxicity of compounds 4 and 8 was determined as
described in (ii) above in M2R mouse melanoma and H5V mouse
endothelial cells. Cells were preincubated with increasing
concentrations of the compound for 4 hours, washed and illuminated
or kept in the dark.
[0194] The results are shown in FIGS. 1A-1B for the bi-sulfonated
compound 8 in H5V and MR2 cells, respectively, and in FIGS. 2A-2B
for the mono-sulfonated compound 4 (comparison) in H5V and MR2
cells, respectively. As can be seen, the phototoxicity of both
pigments 4 and 8 is concentration- and light-dependent, without any
dark toxicity in the tested range. The LD.sub.50 of both pigments
is the same (.about.2 .mu.M), and is similar in both cell
lines.
[0195] The phototoxicity of the sulfonated pigments 5 and 11 was
determined on M2R mouse melanoma cells. As can be seen in FIGS. 3
and 4, the phototoxicity of pigments 5 and 11 is concentration- and
light-dependent, and the LD.sub.50 of both pigments is the same
(.about.5 .mu.M). There is no dark toxicity within the tested
range.
Example 15. Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Compound 4
[0196] The first step before testing the phototoxicity of 4 toward
PDT of solid melanoma xenografts was to determine the pigment's
pharmacokinetics and biodistribution in vivo as described in
section (vi) above. As can be seen in FIG. 5, about 90% of the
pigment 4 cleared within the first 10-min after i.v. injection with
a monophasic kinetic pattern with a t.sub.0.5 of 1.65 min (Table
4). The fast clearance of 4 from the blood may imply that only a
small fraction (if at all) is bound to the plasma components,
otherwise clearance might have been slower.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Pharmacokinetic parameters of 4 in mice
blood. Parameter Equation y = 1.64 + 90.6e(-0.42t) T.sub.0.5 (min)
1.65 K.sub.el (min.sup.-1) 0.42 Vd (ml) 2.12 CL (ml/min) 0.89
K.sub.el--rate of elimination; Vd--volume of distribution;
CL--clearance.
[0197] The biodistribution of the compound 4 shows that, in most of
the examined organs of the mouse, the pigment levels are high
immediately after injection and drop to almost background levels
within 20-30 min, similar to their clearance rates from the blood
(FIG. 6). These results probably represent the pigment level in the
blood trapped in the organ's vasculature as seen in spleen, lung,
and heart. Furthermore, the results also suggest that pigment
diffusion into the organs is negligible. The pigment 4 clears
rapidly from the mouse body, and within 30 min after injection it
is in background levels in all tissues. The clearance rate of 4
from the mouse body is much faster than Pd-Bpheid (3), which
reaches background levels only 48 hours after injection (not
shown).
Example 16. Photodynamic Treatment of M2R Melanoma Xenografts in
CD1 Nude Mice with Sulfonated Pigment 4
[0198] Based upon the pharmacokinetic results of Example 15 above,
the treatment protocol for compound 4 was set to 5-min illumination
immediately after pigment injection. In these experiments (see
section (vii) above), a dedicated medical laser matched to the peak
absorption of 4 (CeramOptec, Germany, 755 nm) was used. In order to
determine the optimal drug/light protocol, mice were treated with
drug dose of 6 mg/kg and increasing the light intensity (FIG. 7).
As can be seen in the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, increasing the
light intensity improves the mice cure rate from 43% to 60% with 30
and 45 J/cm.sup.2, respectively. When the drug dose was elevated to
9 mg/kg with light intensity of 30 J/cm.sup.2, there was a
significant increase in the mice survival to 70% (FIG. 7). No dark
toxicity was seen in animals treated with .kappa. or 9 mg/kg and
kept in the dark.
Example 17. Selective Effect of Photodynamic Treatment with
Compound 4
[0199] This experiment was carried out as described in section
(vii) above. FIG. 8 illustrates the effect of photodynamic
treatment on blood perfusion in C6 xenografts implanted in mice (a,
e). Treated animal that was administrated with Evans-Blue
immediately after PDT showed edema and enhanced vascular leakage of
EB into the interstitium as demonstrated by the blue color (due to
albumin-Evans Blue leakage) in the illuminated area when compared
to the non-illuminated area in the same animal an to untreated
animal (b, f). Twenty-four hours later, it can be seen that in the
treated mice, the tumor surrounding is heavily colored blue (edema;
c), while the tumor remains white (no EB color) due to vascular
shutdown that occurred immediately after PDT (d). The muscle tissue
under the tumor as well as the skin above and around the tumor (but
within the treated area) is blue, indicating that no vascular
shutdown took place (c, d). In the untreated animal, the tumor is
colored blue like other tissues (g, h). The selective enclosure of
new vessels in the tumor indicates that the compounds of the
invention can be used for selective treatment of abnormal
vasculature as in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Example 18. PDT Treatment with Compound 4--Animal Model of AMD
[0200] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed aiming at
inducing localized vascular occlusion of the newly formed vascular
membranes emanating from the choroid (choroidal
neovascularization--CNV). In age-related macular degeneration
(AMD), PDT using verteporfin reduces the risk of visual loss
secondary to CNV. The mechanism of action of PDT is thought to
involve the release of reactive oxygen species which damage
endothelial cells and activate sub endothelial clotting cascade.
These events lead to the formation of thrombi within the vessel
lumen.
[0201] For the treatment of choroidal neovascularization, highly
selective parameters (Laser power density or fluence,
photosensitizer dose, and distance to light illumination (DLI))
have been developed enabling precise focusing and targeting of the
pathologic vessels and minimal secondary damaging effects to
healthy retina and choroid tissues. However, using the only
photosensitizer (verteporfin) presently available for clinical use,
repeated treatments are generally required to achieve the desired
CNV occlusive effects. Thus, the danger for collateral tissue
damage is enhanced and may become a significant side effect of
treatment.
[0202] In this experiment, we have evaluated the photodynamic
treatment (PDT) potential of the hydrosoluble photosensitizer
herein designated WST11 or compound 4, and compared its
characteristics to those of verteporfin.
[0203] Compound 4 is a pure and stable bacteriochlorophyll
derivative isolated as a black purple crystalline powder. It has a
molecular weight of 916 and is soluble in aqueous solution. It is
characterized by the following properties: (a) 4 main absorption
peaks (750, 530, 385 and 330 nm). The strongest absorbance of light
is near the infrared (=750 nm) where tissue transmittance is the
highest; (b) a very low cytotoxicity in the dark. Thus, tissue
damage can be controlled by the light dose and length of exposure;
(c) it is rapidly cleared from the body after administration.
Therefore, potential skin photosensitization damage on exposure to
ambient light or to the sun light is minimal; (d) generation of
reactive oxygen species (ROS) is high because of efficient
intersystem crossing (ISC).
[0204] The WST11 powder was diluted in endotoxin-free sterile water
at a concentration of 10 mg/ml, and shaken until complete
dissolution. This formulation remains stable for 24 hours at
4.degree. C. protected from light. To calculate the volume to be
injected, adjustment was made according to the rabbit weight. The
appropriate volume solution was injected intravenously as a bolus
via the marginal ear vein.
[0205] The potential of Compound 4 for PDT of age-related macular
degeneration (AMD) was compared to verteporfin (Visudyne.RTM.,
Novartis, Switzerland) using a rabbit eye model. Pigmented rabbits
(136 "Fauve de Bourgogne" rabbits, 10-12 weeks old, 2.5-3 kg;
Elevage des Pins, Epeigne-sur-D me, France) were used. Acute and
long term PDT effects on the rabbit eye were investigated for the
following parameters: 1) 753 nm laser fluence (25 and 50
J/cm.sup.2), Compound 4 (also designated WST11) doses (2.5 and 5
mg/kg) and distance to light illumination (DLI) of 1, 5, 10 and 15
minutes. 2) 689 nm laser fluence (10, 50, 100 J/cm.sup.2),
verteporfin doses (3, 6 and 12 mg/m.sup.2) and a constant DLI of 5
min. These PDT parameters encompassed an array of effects on the
choroid and the overlying retina were delivered for 83 seconds to
induce occlusive, subthreshold occlusive and non-occlusive vascular
events. Treated rabbit eyes were examined and followed by indirect
ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography (FA) and histology at
various intervals after PDT. WST11 PDT using a fluence of 50
J/cm.sup.2, 5 mg/kg drug dose and DLI of 1 minute induced total
choroidal occlusion associated with structural lesions of the
overlying RPE and retina in 100% of the treated eyes (FIGS. 9A-9D).
Weaker, non-occlusive PDT parameters (25 J/cm.sup.2, 5 mg/kg drug
dose and DLI of 10 minutes) did not induce choriocapillaries
occlusion nor retinal lesions. Verteporfin PDT using 12 mg/m.sup.2
drug dose at a fluence of 100 J/cm.sup.2 and DLI 5 minutes induced
occlusive events (observed by FA) in 89% of the eyes and histology
damage of the overlying retina and RPE layer in all eyes. Weaker
non-occlusive verteporfin PDT parameters using 3 mg/m.sup.2 drug
dose, fluence 10 J/cm.sup.2 and DLI 5 minutes did not induce any
choriocapillaries occlusion on FA. However in these eyes, definite
structural damage of the retina and choroid tissues were observed
on histology. Similar to verteporfin, WST11 PDT induces transient
occlusion of the choriocapillaries observed up to one week after
treatment. Unlike Verteporfin, WST11 PDT parameters not inducing
vessel occlusion do not cause RPE or retina structural damage.
Thus, despite its capacity to induce vessel obstruction, WST11 PDT
does not cause damage to the RPE and overlying retina when no
occlusion of the choriocapillaries takes place. The advantages of
these characteristics indicates that WST11 is a suitable candidate
for PDT treatment of CNV in age-related macular degeneration.
[0206] For the histology, enucleated eyes were dissected under a
binocular microscope. A 4 mm biopsy punch was used to excise the
full thickness of treated zones. These tissues were fixed in
glutaraldehyde, processed in cacodylate buffer and embedded in
plastic. Semi-thin sections were obtained using a microtome and
counter-stained with hematoxilin-eosin. These sections were
analyzed using phase contrast microscopy. Specific sites of
interest were further processed for TEM. Ultrathin sections were
obtained using an ultramicrotome and counter-stained with uranyl
acetate.
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