Polymeric nanoparticles for photosensitizers

Abstract

Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles comprising an inner core formed of a photodynamic agent capable of being activated to generate cytotoxic singlet oxygen are prepared. These nanoparticles have anti-cell proliferation activity and are useful in treating both cancerous and non-cancerous conditions including actinic keratosis, psoriasis and acne vulgaris. Preferably, the photodynamic agent is a hypocrellin B derivative while the polymeric nanoparticle comprises polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid or poly(lactide-co-glycolide). Hypocrellin-comprising nanoparticles are demonstrated to be activated by light or hydrogen peroxide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.