Patent ID: 8383354
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: A61K,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of identifying/monitoring active atherosclerotic plaques associated with blood vessel walls wherein the plaques comprise activated macrophages having accessible binding sites for a ligand said method comprising the steps of: administering to a patient being evaluated for atherosclerosis an effective amount of a composition comprising a conjugate of the general formula wherein the group L comprises a folate receptor binding ligand wherein the folate receptor binding ligand exhibits specific binding to the folate receptor, and the group X comprises a chromophore capable of emitting light; allowing sufficient time for the folate receptor binding ligand conjugate to bind to activated macrophages associated with the active plaques; and identifying active plaques by detecting light emitted by the chromophore associated with blood vessels walls using a method selected from the group consisting of the use of a catheter-based device and external imaging.