Psoralen compounds

US6420570B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Cerus Corporation · US

Inventors

• Susan Wollowitz · Walnut Creek, US
• Stephen T. Isaacs · Orinda, US
• Henry Rapoport · Berkeley, US
• Hans Peter Spielmann · Lexington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 22, 2001
• Grant date: Jul 16, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 22, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61L2/0011
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Psoralen compound compositions are synthesized which have substitutions on the 4, 4′, 5′, and 8 positions of the psoralen, which yet permit their binding to nucleic acid of pathogens. Reaction conditions that photoactivate these bound psoralens result in covalent crosslinking to nucleic acid, thereby inactivating the pathogen. Higher psoralen binding levels and lower mutagenicity results in safer, more efficient, and reliable inactivation of pathogens. In addition to the psoralen compositions, the invention contemplates inactivating methods using the new psoralens.