Sterilized 5-aminolevulinic acid

Abstract

Colored 5-aminolevulinic acid crystals useful for photodynamic therapy are disclosed. Preferably the colored 5-aminolevulinic acid crystals have the color imparted by irradiation of the crystals, such as gamma radiation. The colored ALA crystals are preferably pharmaceutically pure and sterile and can be contained in a sealed sterile container. Also disclosed is sterile aqueous ALA solution which includes the colored ALA crystals contained in water. Also disclosed is a method for preparing colored ALA crystals which includes exposing non-irradiated ALA crystals to a radiation source at a dose sufficient impart a color which is different than any color present in the non-irradiated crystals. Preferably the irradiation is sufficient to sterilize the ALA crystals. The sterile colored ALA crystals can be used in a kit for internal or external treatment and/or detection of a condition in a mammal, which includes the sterile, colored ALA crystals and sterile diluent, and in the case of internal treatment and/or detection optionally a catheter for administration of the ALA.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.