Qlt Inc.

The University of British Columbia

Baxter International Inc.

Quadra Logic Technologies, Inc.

Janice North

Julia G Levy

John R Chapman

H Andrew Strong

Patricia M Logan

Herma C Neyndorff

Peter Hnik

Agnes How-Ching Chan

Simon Leong

Martin Renke

David William Carey Hunt

Multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis can be treated effectively using photodynamic therapy. In this protocol, a photoactive compound is administered, allowed to distribute in the effected subject, and the subject is then irradiated to activate the photoactive compound. Alternatively, the blood of a subject to be treated can be subjected to PDT extracorporeally. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, localized treatment at the joints may also be employed.

Photodynamic therapy in selective cell inactivation in blood and treating immune dysfunction diseases

The invention relates to the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat macular edemas, including DME, CRVO and BRVO. It provides an alternative to photocoagulation and the disadvantages associated therewith.

Treatment of macular edema

Photodynamic therapy in selective cell inactivation in blood and

Treatment with a set of porphyrin compounds using a photodynamic therapy approach is able selectively to lower elevated levels of activated leukocytes in a leukocyte population. This is particularly helpful in subjects containing such elevated levels of T-cell subsets, such as HIV-infected subjects.

Selective cell inactivation in blood

The present invention provides a method for inactivating pathogens in a body fluid, such as plasma, red cells, platelets, leukocytes, and bone marrow. The present invention minimizes adverse effects caused by the photosensitive agents while retaining the disinfecting activity of such agents and processes. Pursuant to the present invention, prior to irradiating a body fluid including a photoactive drug, the extracellular fluid, which in the case of blood components includes plasma proteins is at least substantially reduced. Additionally, after the irradiation process, the resultant body fluid is prevented from contacting additional extracellular fluid, e.g., plasma proteins, for a predefined period.

Method for inactivating pathogens in compositions containing cells and

Method for inactivating pathogens in erythrocytes using photoactive

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Vancouver, Canada

Janice North