| abstract |
Tetra-aza macrocycles of formula (1) (see formula I) wherein m and n , which may be the same of different, is each zero or an integer 1, 2, or 3; p is zero or an integer 1 or 2; q is zero or an integer from 1 to 6 inclusive; R1, R2 and R3, which may be the same or different, is each a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, -CO2H, -SO3H, PO3H2 or aryl group; L is a covalent bond or linker group; Z is a hydrogen atom or a reactive functional group, with the proviso that when L is a covalent bond Z is a reactive functional group; and metal complexes and/or salts thereof; are described together with processes for their preparation and compositions containing them. The compounds are useful for imaging and in the treatment of abnormal cell disorders, such as in the treatment of tumours, and are particularly suitable for coupling to other molecules such as proteins for use in diagnosis and therapy. |