Evaluation of photopoint photosensitizer mv6401, indium chloride methyl pyropheophorbide, as a photodynamic therapy agent in primate choriocapillaris and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the potential of a new photosensitizer, indium chloride methyl pyropheophorbide (PhotoPoint MV6401), for ocular photodynamic therapy (PDT) in normal choriocapillaris vessels and experimentally induced choroidal neovascularization in New-World monkeys (Saimiri sciureus).


METHODS
PhotoPoint MV6401 (Miravant Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA) was activated at 664 nm using a DD3-0665 (Miravant Systems, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA) 0.5 W diode laser. The efficacy of MV6401 was evaluated by indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and histology. The drug and light doses were 0.10 micromoles/kg to 0.3 micromoles/kg and 10 J/cm to 40 J/cm, respectively, and post-injection activation times ranged from +10 minutes to +120 minutes.


RESULTS
Best closure of normal choriocapillaris was achieved at a dosage level of 0.15 micromoles/kg in primates. Histology demonstrated that increased post-injection activation times (+60 minutes to +90 minutes) and low laser light doses (10 J/cm to 20 J/cm) in the primate model resulted in selective closure of the choriocapillaris and medium sized choroidal vessels with minimal effect to the retina. Histology from neovascular lesions PDT-treated with MV6401 revealed significant diminution of vascularity, correlating with diminution of leakage observed on angiography.


CONCLUSIONS
PhotoPoint MV6401, indium chloride methyl pyropheophorbide, is a potent photosensitizer that demonstrates both efficacy and selectivity in primate choriocapillaris and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization occlusion. Maximum selectivity was achieved using a post infusion interval of +60 to +90 minutes.
Ciulla
Thomas A
TA
Retina Service Research Laboratories, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260, USA.
Criswell
Mark H
MH
Danis
Ronald P
RP
Snyder
Wendy J
WJ
Small
Ward
W
D000818:Animals; D002829:Choroid / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D007204:Indium; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012453:Saimiri
C453421:MV6401; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D007204:Indium