| abstract |
Porphyrin-type photosensitizers useful in photodynamic therapy can be formulated as water soluble drugs by conjugation of the photosensitizer to a hydrophilic polymer. Conjugation of the photosensitizer in varying ratios to the polymer, such as polyvinyl alcohol, provides compositions which are readily soluble and biodistribute in a fashion equal to or advantageous over that obtained when the photosensitizer is administered alone. In addition, these conjugates which further a contain target specific component provide a mechanism for homing to the desired target tissue, as well as offering a convenient approach to including both target specific component and photosensitizing drug in the same complex. |