CA2211100C - Diagnostic imaging contrast agents with extended blood retention - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides diagnostic imaging contrast agents which exhibit improved blood retention. The novel compounds comprise: a) an image-enhancing (or signal-generating) moiety (IEM); b) a plasma protein binding moiety (PPBM); and c) a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM). This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging. These contrast agents exhibit reduced rates of both renal and hepatocellular uptake and no apparent uptake by the RE system. The agents may be targeted to the blood pool or any other biological component. Since the agent is lost less rapidly from the bloodstream, lower doses can be used at a higher margin of safety. The approach is general to both large and small molecules.

Description

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING CONTRAST AGENTS
WITH EXTENDED BLOOD RETENTION
Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging. In particular, this invention relates to novel compounds which exhibit 1o improved blood retention. The compounds comprise:
a) an image-enhancing (or signal-generating) moiety (IEM);
b) a plasma protein binding moiety (PPBM); and c) a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM).
This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.
.20 F3ackg7ound of the Inv -n ; nn Diagnostic imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-ray, nuclear radiopharmaceutical imaging, ultraviolet/visible/
infrared light, and ultrasound, have been used in medical diagnosis for a number of years. In some cases, the use of contrast media to improve the image quality or provide specific information has been ongoing for many years. In other cases, such as imaging with light or ultrasound, the introduction of 5 contrast media is imminent.

The contrast agent must interfere with the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation used in the imaging technique, alter the physical properties of tissue to yield an altered signal, or, as in the case io of radiopharmaceuticals, provide the source of radiation itself. Commonly used materials include organic molecules, metal ions, salts or chelates, particles (particularly iron particles), or labeled peptides, proteins, polymers or liposomes. After is administration, the agent may non-specifically diffuse throughout body compartments prior to being metabolized and/or excreted; these agents are generally known as non-specific agents. Alternatively, the agent may have a specific affinity for a particular body compartment, 20 cell, organ, or tissue; these agents can be referred to as targeted agents.
For agents which are injected or absorbed into the body and distributed by the blood, it is desirable to have an appropriate blood half-life.
25 While extremely long half-lives (i.e., days or weeks) are unnecessary in clinical imaging situations and possibly dangerous (due to the increased chance for toxicity and metabolic breakdown into more toxic molecules), short half-lives are also not desirable.
30 If the image enhancement lasts for too short of time, it is difficult to acquire a high-quality image of the ' patient. In addition, rapid clearance of a targeted agent will reduce the amount of the agent available to bind to the target site and thus reduce the "brightness" of the target site on the image.
Increasing the blood half-life of an imaging agent involves interfering with one or more of the following clearance mechanisms:
1) Rena1 excretion. Molecules below 60,000 dalton molecular weight, particularly small molecules, can be removed from the blood by nonspecific glomerular l.o filtration in the kidneys. If the molecules exhibit some degree of binding to plasma proteins or other constituents of blood, only the free fraction will be available for filtration and the rate of renal excretion will be reduced accordingly.
(2) He~at_ocellular uptake. If a molecule possesses hydrophobic character, some fraction of the complex is taken up by liver cells and excreted into the bile. In general, the greater degree of hydrophobicity a molecule possesses, the greater the hepatocyte uptake rate. Though hydrophobicity also leads to plasma protein binding and a reduction in the apparent free concentration of the molecule, the hepatocellular uptake rate can still be very high (D. Sorrentino et al., Prog. Liver Disease, pp. 203-24 (1990)), thus reducing the blood half-life. Reduction in blood half-life may or may not be accompanied by an increase in the total hepatobiliary excretion, i.e., the fraction of the administered dose which eventually appears in the feces. The latter quantity is determined by many factors other than the hepatocellular uptake rate, including the extent of cytosolic protein binding inside the hepatocyte, the affinity for canalicular (hepatocyte-to-bile) transport systems, effects on bile flow and enterohepatic recirculation. Extension of blood half-life must be shown by blood or plasma sampling, not simply by s measuring decreases in the total hepatobiliary excretion. Similarly, simply obtaining and measuring significant plasma protein binding of a contemplated contrast agent is not sufficient to show that its blood half-life is longer due to lower renal excretion.
3) Reticuloendothelial (RE) or other systems.
Large molecular weight substances, such as liposomes, polymers, proteins, and particles, can be rapidly cleared from the blood by recognition (e.g., opsonization, or coating with proteins prior to cellular uptake) and uptake into cells, particularly the RE cells of the liver (the Kupfer cells), spleen and bone marrow.
Two general strategies have been reported to increase blood half-life for imaging agents. One way is to covalently attach the imaging agent via strong or metabolizable chemical bonds to a large molecular weight polymer, protein, liposome, or particle. For example, gadolinium diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) has been attached to human serum albumin (HSA), poly-L-lysine, or dextran (A. N. Oksendal et al., J. Magn. Reson. Imaging, 3, pp. 157-165 (1993);
S. M. Rocklage, "Contrast Agents," Maanetic Resonance IinaginQ, Mosby Year Book, pp. 372-437 (1992)). This is done to reduce the rate of glomerular filtration in the 3o kidneys and retain the agent in the blood. However, this can lead to long-term retention of the agent. In addition, the firmly bound imaging agents can potentially release toxic by-products such as free metal ions in the metabolism sites for the macromolecule. Furthermore, large conjugates may be difficult to target to specific sites in the body.
The second strategy has been applied to liposomes, polymers, proteins, and particles which are usually rapidly removed from the circulation by the RE
system or by other means. The placement of long hydrophilic polymers, such as polyethyleneglycol (PEG), lo on the surface of the substance reduces uptake by the RE or other systems (C. Tilcock et al., Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1148, pp. 77-84 (1993) ; A. A. Bogdanoy et al., $adio7.ocrv, 187, pp. 701-706 (1993) ). It is hypothesized that the large, strongly hydrated polymer groups interfere with the molecular process required for recognition and uptake of the substances. The disadvantages of this strategy include: a) high cost and cumbersome manufacturing processes; b) lack of targetability of the large conjugates; and c) 2o applicability appears to be limited to large molecular weight substances.
A particular challenge is for targeted small molecules which possess some lipophilic character.
These can suffer from rapid hepatocellular uptake and blood clearance, possibly reducing the "brightness" at the target site. This is a particular problem where lipophilicity is required to achieve targeting to proteins or other biological targets.
A special case of this problem is the development of small molecule blood pool agents.
Current small molecule non-specific agents, such as Gd-DTPA for MRI, have relatively fast clearance from the blood and are thus not optimal for imaging blood vessels (i.e., MR angiography) or for monitoring the blood flow into the heart, brain, tumors, or other organs or lesions. Lipophilic agents that target 5 plasma proteins are known in the art. See United States patent nos. 4,880,008 and 5,250,285. While these agents bind to plasma protein, in particular,to human serum albumin, they can also be subject to rapid hepatocellular uptake and reduced blood half-life.
There remains a need for contrast agents that are retained by the blood for a prolonged period of time.

SLmmary of the Invention The present invention provides diagnostic imaging contrast agents which exhibit improved blood retention. The novel compounds comprise:
a) an image-enhancing (or signal-generating) moiety (IEM);
b) a plasma protein binding moiety (PPBM); and c) a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM).
This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.
These contrast agents exhibit reduced rates of both renal and hepatocellular uptake and no apparent uptake by the RE system. The agents may be targeted to the blood pool or any other biological component.
Since the agent is lost less rapidly from the =
bloodstream, lower doses can be used at a higher margin of safety. The approach is general to both large and small molecules.

In one aspect the present invention provides a gadolinium complex selected from a compound having the formula:

I
O P O
I
O

-_02C C02 N N N

02C Gd 3+ C02 MS-315;
p O P O
I
O

N N N
02C Gd3+ COZ
MS-317;

-7a-~
O

O P O

N N N
02C Gd3+ C02_ MS-322;

O
O P O

02C Cp2 N N N
OZC Gd 3+ C02-MS-323;

-7b-Ph Ph I
O P O
I

02C , Cp2 N N N
02C Gd3+ C02-MS-325;

OMe O P O
I
Me pZC C02 N N N

02C Gd3+ C02 MS-328;

-7c-~
O

p I P p _p2C C02 N N N

02C Gd3+ C02_ MS-326;
O
O P O
I
O

_p2C C02-N N N
02C Gd3+ C02_ MS-327;

-7d-OR

COOH

02C -\ C02 N N~ 1"
-02C Gd3+ C02-wherein R comprises: an aliphatic group and/or at least 1 aryl ring; or a substituted or unsubstituted peptide optionally containing hydrophobic amino acid residues; and OR

O

-02C Gd3+ C02 wherein R comprises: an aliphatic group and/or at least 1 aryl ring; or a substituted or unsubstituted peptide optionally containing hydrophobic amino acid residues.

-7e-In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a gadolinium complex as described above.

In another aspect, the invention provides a chelating ligand having the structure:

I I
/ (CH2)7-CH3 O
O-N
N
O N O
O O O_ O O O_ O O
In another aspect, the invention provides a chelating ligand having the structure:

P\ O \

O
N N
O N O

O
O O
O

-7f-In another aspect, the invention provides a chelating ligand having the structure:

/
O ~I

II / ~
0/ p~ o \

O

N
N
O N O
O- O
O
O_ O

In another aspect, the invention provides a chelating ligand having the structure:

II
(CH2)i0 O I_ ( O

~
N N
O N O
O
O
O--7g-In another aspect, the invention provides a chelating ligand having the structure:

I I ~
O
0 _ O
N ~
N

O O O-O O

In another aspect, the invention provides a chelating ligand having the structure:

O \
I) /

N N
O N O
O O
O _O O

-7h-In another aspect, the invention provides a chelating ligand having the structure:

/ I
O \

II / ~
o O

N~
N
O N
O O
O
O O O-O O

In another aspect, the invention provides a chelating ligand having the structure:

\
O I /
I ( O~ P\ O \
~
N N
O N
O-O O O
O- O

75940-8 (S) -7i-In another aspect, the invention provides use as a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging of a gadolinium complex as described above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt as described above.

In another aspect, the invention provides a diagnostic imaging method comprising administering to a subject a gadolinium complex as described above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt as described above.

In another aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a gadolinium complex as described above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt as described above, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In another aspect, the invention provides a commercial package comprising a gadolinium complex as described above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt as described above, together with instructions for use for diagnostic imaging in a subject.

75940-8(S) -7j-In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

Bu Bu I \ I \

O O

O O
O

COZ
02C ~-~ C02.
N N N

Gd 3+

75940-8 (S) -7k-In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

Bu Bu I \ I \

C02 1___c02_ O

O

-02C ---\ zr- /- C02_ N N N

~3+

75940-8(S) In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

Bu Bu O O
I \ I \
03S S03_ O O
\ /

02C rl~-7 C02 N N N

Gd3+

75940-8(S) -7m-In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

O
I
O P O
I
/
O I
O2C-\ COZ~~COZ
N N N
02C--j ~-- C02 Gd3+
In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

O
O
- I

NH- C C-NH -__,,,~O
N N N
02C \-CO2 Gd 3+

75940-8 (S) -7n-In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

PPBM

I _ O P O

O
(CH2)n CO2 OZC-~ ~----~ ~~ ~- COZ
N N N

Gd 3+

wherein PPBM is a plasma protein binding moiety comprising at least seven carbon atoms, and n can be equal to 1-4.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

PPBM
O
O P O

(CI42)n 02C-~ COZ
N N N
02C----~ CO2 Gd3+
ao wherein PPBM is a plasma protein binding moiety comprising at least seven carbon atoms, and n can be equal to 1-4.

75940-8 (S) -7o-In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

Bu O

(CH2)n C02 02C -\ ~~ /-- C02 N N N

Gd3+
wherein n can be equal to 1-4.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

Bu O

O
/
(CH2)n z 02C -\ ~---\ r/_7 /--102 N N N

2 0 Gd3+

wherein n can be equal to 1-4.

75940-8 (S) -7p-In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

Bu (CH2)n CO2_ 02C ~ \/-\ zr---~ /-- C02 N N N

Gd3+

wherein n can be equal to 1-4.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

Bu O
~
(CH2)n 2-- 02C -\ r/- /- c02_ N N N
02C-~ C02 Gd3+
wherein n can be equal to 1-4.

75940-8 (S) -7q-In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the formula:

~
CH3(CH2)9~ I /

O
/
(CHz)n z 02C-\ ri~-7 /-- C02 N N N

Gd 3+

wherein n can be equal to 1-4.

75940-8(S) -7r-Detailed Descrirtion of the Invention In order that the invention herein described may be more fully understood, the following detailed description is set forth.
The term "specific affinity" or "molecular affinity" as used herein, refers to the capability of lo the contrast agent to be taken up by, retained by, or bound to a particular biological component to a substantially greater degree than other components.
Contrast agents which have this property are said to be "targeted" to the "target" component.
ls The present invention relates to novel compounds which enhance the contrast in diagnostic imaging. These compounds comprise:
a) an image-enhancing (or signal-generating) moiety (IEM);
20 b) a plasma protein binding moiety (PPBM); and c) a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM).
Diagnostic imaging includes, but is not limited to, MRI, x-ray, nuclear radiopharmaceutical imaging, ultraviolet/visible/infrared light, and ultrasound.
ImaAe EnhancinQ Moiety ("IEM") According to the present invention, the first domain, IEM, can be any chemical or substaAce which is used to provide the signal or contrast in imaging.
The signal enhancing domain can be an organic molecule, metal ion, sal't or chelate, particle (particularly iron particle), or labeled peptide, protein, polymer or liposome.
A particularly useful IEM is a physiologically compatible metal chelate compound consisting of one or more cyclic or acyclic organic chelating agents complexed to one or more metal ions with atomic numbers 21-29, 42, 44, or 57-83.

For x-ray imaging, the IEM may consist of iodinated organic molecules or chelates of heavy metal io ions of atomic numbers 57 to 83. Examples of suitable compounds are described in-M. Sovak, ed., "Radiocontrast Agents," Sgringer-Verlaa, pp.23-125 (1984) and United States patent 4,647,447.
For ultrasound imaging, the IEM consists of gas-filled bubbles such as Albunex, Echovist, or Levovist, or particles or metal chelates where the metal ions have atomic numbers 21-29, 42, 44 or 57-83.
Examples of suitable compounds are described in Tyler et al., Ultrasonic Imaging, 3, pp. 323-29 (1981) and D.
P. Swanson, "Enhancement Agents for Ultrasound:
Fundamentals," Pharmaceuticals in Medical Imaaina, pp.
682-87 (1990).
For nuclear radiopharmaceutical imagirig or radiotherapy, the IEM consists of a radioactive molecule. More preferred are chelates of Tc, Re, Co, Cu, Au, Ag, Pb, Bi, In, and Ga. Even more preferred are chelates of Tc-99m. Examples of suitable compounds are described in Rayudu GVS, Radiotracers for Medical 8pblications, I, pp. 201 and D. P. Swanson et al., ed., Pharmaceuticals in Medical Imaging, pp. 279-644 (1990).

WO 96/23526 .PCT/US96/00164 For ultraviolet/visible/infrared light imaging, the IEM consists of any organic or inorganic dye or any metal chelate.
For MRI, the IEM consists of a metal-ligand complex of a paramagnetic form of a metal ion with atomic numbers 21-29, 42, 44, or 57-83.
In order to effectively enhance NMR imaging, the complex must be capable of enhancing the relaxation rates 1/T1 (longitudinal, or spin-lattice) and/or 1/TZ
(transverse, or spin-spin) of water protons or other imaging or spectroscopic nuclei, including protons, P-31, C-13, Na-23, or F-19 on other biomolecules or injected biomarkers. Relaxivities R1 and R1 are defined as the ability to increase 1/T1 or 1/T2, respectively, per mM of metal ion; units are mM-ls'1. For the most common form of clinical MRI, water proton MRI, relaxivity is optimal where the paramagnetic ion bound to the chelating ligand still has one or more open coordination sites for water exchange (R. B. Lauffer, Chemical Rev9.ews, 87, pp. 901-927 (1987)). However, this must be balanced with the stability of the metal chelate (vide infra) which generally decreases with increasing numbers of open coordination sites. More preferably, therefore, the complex contains only one or two open coordination sites.
In addition to increasing the 1/T1 or 1/T2 of tissue nuclei via dipole-dipole interactions, MRI
agents can affect two other magnetic properties and thus be of use clinically:
1) an iron particle or metal chelate of high magnetic susceptibility, particularly chelates of Dy, Gd, or Ho, can alter the MRI signal intensity of tissue VOSSiU3 & PARTNER
Metasyn, Inc. PA ;[.::=J r-.:=':':r_ T`
Our Ref.: A 2491 PCT 8~ ~s ;,;; ;:=;,;;ti_n March 4, 1997 SIECL-R ST P~.SSE 4 by creating microscopic magnetic susceptibility gradients (A. Viliringer et al, Magn. Reson. Med. 6, pp. 164-174 (1988)). No open coordination sites on a chelate are required for this application.
2) an iron particle or metal chelate can also be used to shift the resonance frequency of water protons or other imaging or spectroscopic nuclei, including protons, P-31, C-13, Na-23, or F-19 on other biomolecules or injected biomarkers. Here, depending on the nucleus and strategy used, zero to three open coordination sites may be employed.
The preferred paramagnetic metal is selected from the group consisting of Gd(III), Fe(III), Mn(II
and III), Cr(III), Cu(II), Dy(III), Tb(III), Ho(III), Er(III) and Eu(III). The most preferred is Gd(III).
Although the paramagnetic metal is used in a complexed form, toxic effects may still arise due to the dissociation of the metal ion from the complex.
The organic chelating ligand should be physiologically compatible. The molecular size of the chelating ligand should be compatible with the size of the paramagnetic metal. Thus gadolinium (III), which has a crystal ionic radius of 0.938 x 10-10 m (0.938A), requires a larger chelating ligand than iron (III), which has a crystal ionic radius of 0.64 x 10-10 m(0.64A).
In general, the degree of toxicity of a metal chelate is related to its degree of dissociation in vivo before excretion. Toxicity generally increases with the amount of free metal ion. For complexes in which kinetic stability is low, a high thermodynamic stability (a formation=constant of at least 1015 M'1 and more preferably at least 1020 M'1) is desirable to AMENDED SHEET
IPEAJFP

-il-minimize dissociation and its attendant toxicity. For complexes in which kinetic stability is comparatively higher, dissociation can be minimized with a lower formation constant, i.e., 10'o M'1 or higher.
Toxicity is also a function of the number of open coordination sites in the complex. The fewer coordination sites, the less tendency there is, generally, for the chelating agent to release the paramagnetic substance. Preferably, therefore, the io complex contains two, one or zero open coordination sites. The presence of more than two open sites in general will unacceptably increase toxicity by release of the metal ion in vivo.
Many suitable chelating ligands for MRI
is agents are known in the art. These can also be used for metal chelates for other forms of biological imaging. For MRI imaging, the preferred IEMs include:

20 COZ 02C-\ N/--CCI
3+
OZC--\N/ \ NN! \ ~
OZC~ ~-COZ Gd Gd3.
02C' O2 MzQnevist Dotasre*
qadopsntstat. dimeQiuaiae qadotarste aTpA mvlumiae Co2 _ ~02 02C \ ! N/ p~-OZC~_\ rl::
N ~
OC~ CO 3+
~3+ Gd N N N OH
30 C i\H H/ \CHy 02C__~/ \_/ ~--{
~F \
ooniscaa qsdodiaside pro8anc: * CH3 DTPI--HW1 Qadoteridol *Trade-mark Plasma ProtPin BindinQ Moiety ("PPBM") According to the present invention, the second component of the contrast agents of this invention is a PPBM. This portion of the compound binds the contrast agent to plasma proteins and reduces the rate of renal excretion.
Plasma proteins of interest include albumin, particularly human serum albumin (HSA), which binds molecules possessing some lipophilic portions and s.o either negative charges at physiological pH or partial negatively charged oxygens-or sulphurs or fluorines;
alpha acid glycoprotein, which binds primarily positively charged molecules; globulins, which bind steroidal molecules; and lipoproteins, which bind lipophilic or fatty acid-type molecules. The PPBM
therefore must be selected properly to achieve the binding to the appropriate protein. Since HSA is present at the highest concentration in serum and has high affinity and capacity for binding a wide range of molecules, it is the preferred plasma protein to be used to increase blood half-lives. HSA is also the preferred plasma protein target because it binds to negatively charged molecules which tend to be less toxic than positively charged molecules.
For binding to HSA, a wide range of hydrophobic or amphiphilic substances may be useful as the PPBM (U. Kragh-Hansen, gharm. Rev., 33, pp. 17-53 (1981); X. M. He et al., Nature, 358, pp. 209-215 (1992); D. C. Carter, Adv. Protein Chem., 45, pp. 153-203 (1994)). These include but are not limited to aliphatic or aryl groups with 1 to 60 carbons as well as any number.of nitrogens, oxygens, sulfurs, halogens, =13-alkyl groups, amides, esters, and sulfonamides substituents. Alternatively, the PPBM may be a peptide containing hydrophobic amino acid residues and/or substituents with or without hydrophobic or hydrophilic termination groups. To obtain 10% binding in plasma, the preferred PPBM has at least 7 carbon atoms, more preferably 13, and most preferably 18 carbon atoms.
As stated above, for binding to HSA, a wide range of hydrophobic substances may be useful as the i.o PPBM. In general, binding affinity to HSA and possibly other proteins will increase with the hydrophobicity of the PPBM. Theoretical estimates of the hydrophobicity of a substituent such as a PPBM can be obtained by calculating the contribution to the log of the octanol-water (or octanol-buffer) partition coefficient (log P) for the PPBM itself using the Hansch n constant for substituents. See A. Leo and C. Hansch, "Partition Coefficients and their Uses," Chemical Reviews, 71, pp. 525-616 (1971); K. C. Chu, "The Quantitative 2o Analysis of Structure-Activity Relationships," Buraer's Medicinal Che:mistrv, Part 1, pp. 393-418, (4th ed.
1980). Binding affinity will increase with increasing log P contributions. For example, for substituents on aliphatic groups, the following n constants can be used:
n-aliphatic CH3 0.50 Phenyl 2.15 3o For substituents on aryl groups, the following n constants carl be used:

Groun n-aliphatic CH3 0.56 CH2CH3 1.02 Phenyl 1.96 Thus, the log P contribution for a p-methylbenzyl group attached to an IEM would be calculated as follows (using the value of the n-aliphatic for CH3 as an estimate for the -CH2- group):

log P contribution = 0.50 + 2.15 + 0.56 = 3.21 In binding to HSA, a minimum log P
contribution of 2 (equivalent to 4 CH3 groups or one phenyl ring) is required to achieve significant binding. More preferred is a log P contribution of 3.
Even more preferred is a log P contribution of 4.
HSA binding can be assessed by equilibrium dialysis or ultrafiltration using 4.5% weight/volume 2o HSA in a pH 7.4 buffer. Preferably at least 10%, and more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 95% of the contrast agent is bound to HSA at a physiological relevant concentrations (0.01-10mM in plasma for MRI, x-ray, light, and ultrasound; < luM for radiopharmaceuticals).
In this application, the measurement of percent binding of the contrast agent to HSA has an error of approximately +/- 5%. Protein binding to other proteins or to serum can be assessed in a similar fashion.
The addition of lipophilic groups into a contrast agent is likely to decrease the solubility of the agent. To retain efficient solubility of the contrast agent at clinically effective dosage levels or higher, it may be preferred to incorporate one or more hydrogen-bonding groups (oxygen, nitrogens, etc.) into the PPBM.
While purely aliphatic groups can be used as PPBMs, these may not be as preferred as mixed aliphatic-aryl groups or purely aryl groups.
Especially when a negative charge is attached to a lo purely aliphatic groups, particularly long and flexible ones, the contrast agent may interfere with the metabolism of endogenous molecules such as fatty acids or the interactions between membrane proteins and lipids. This may increase the toxicity of the agent.
is Thus it is preferred that the PPBM contain at least one aryl ring.
In t:he case of HSA-bound MRI agents for blood pool, tumor, or tissue enhancement, it is especially preferable for the contrast agent to contain two or 20 more distinct lipophilic groups to fully immobilize the agent when botind to the protein. These groups may be on one PPBM, or as two or more separate chemical groups attached to the contrast agent. Because of their bulky nature and rigidity, it is preferable that the two or 25 more groups each consist of an aromatic ring, with the two or more rings in the entire molecule arranged in a rigid, non-planar orientation.
The magnetic efficiency, or relaxivity, of a MRI agent is generally highest when the agent has a 3o rotational correlation time-approximately equal to HSA
(R. B. Lauffer, Chemical Reviews, 87, pp. 901-927 (1987)). While a small molecule such as Gd-DTPA has a rotational correlation time of approximately 0.1 nanoseconds (nsec), HSA has a correlation time of greater than 5-10 nsec; if a chelate has this longer correlation time, the magnetic fluctuations between the paramagnetic ion and the water protons occur on the same time scale as the Larmor frequency, generating the most efficient longitudinal (T1) relaxation possible and thus the highest possible relaxivity. Any flexibility of the chelate when bound to the protein is expected to io decrease the effective rotational correlation time and thus decrease relaxivity. --Since one site of attachment to the protein may still yield flexibility in several directions, additional sites of attachment may be preferred.
The degree to which an agent has been tuned for maximum relaxivity can be assessed by measuring the relaxivity-bound (R1-bound) in the presence of HSA.
This requires measuring the relaxivity of the free chelate (Rl-free) as well as the relaxivity (Rl-observed) and per cent binding of the agent in 4.5%
HSA. The R1-observed is a mole fraction weighted average of Rl-free and R;-bound:

R;-observed = (fraction-free * Rl-free) +
(fraction-bound * Rl-bound) Thus:

Rl-bound = 1$1-observed - (fraction-free * Rl-free) 1 fraction-bound The benefit of having two or more aryl rings held in a rigid, non-planar fashion can be seen in the following table which shows relaxivity-bound values for MS-322 (56 mM-1-s-1) and MS-325 (42 mM'ls-1) versus MS-317 (34 mM-ls-1). The biphenyl or diphenyl groups of MS-322 and MS-325 appear to be restricting the mobility of the HSA-bound contrast agent. In this application, the error associated with the measurement of relaxivity-bound values is approximately +/- 5%.

/R I
O--P-O

rz / 02 02C_\ ~~-02C \1_COZ
Gd3+
R R1-bound, mM-ls-1 As can be seen in the above table, compounds having two rings rigidly held in a non-planar orientation had higher relaxivity-bound values.
As can be seen in the above equations, the actual R1-observed can be increased by increasing the fraction-bound, that is, increasing the binding affinity of the agent to HSA. This may also lead to lower renal excretion and longer blood half-lives and is thus synergistic. Nevertheless, in order to use the lowest dose and have the highest margin of safety, it is still important to maximize the potency of the agent by maximizing R1-bound.
Blood Half-Life Extendinq Moiety ("BHEM") The third domain of the contrast agents of this invention, the BHEM, reduces the rate of hepatocyte uptake of the contrast agent. The balance lo of hydrophilicity and lipophilicity and the exact molecular structure of a molecule determine its hepatocyte uptake rate.
In the contrast agents of this invention, the BHEMs of this invention reduce or eliminate hepatocyte uptake without unduly interfering with the efficacy of the PPBM. The BHEMs are extremely hydrophilic groups which can hydrogen-bond with water. The presence on a contrast agent of the hydrophilic BHEM reduces the hepatocyte uptake of the agent.
Examples of chemical groups which would serve as a BHEM include carbon, phosphorous, tungsten, molybdenum, or sulfur atoms having attached charged or neutral heteroatoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur or halogens (especially fluorine) possessing two or more lone electron pairs (i.e., full or partial negative charge) or electropositive hydrogen atoms (i.e., protonated amine) for hydrogen bonding with water.
These include groups such as sulfone, ether, urea, thio-urea, amine sulfonamide, carbamate, peptide, ester, carbonate and acetals. Preferred groups include those which possess one or more partial or full negative charges in aqueous solution at physiological pH wherein the negatively charged atoms cannot be partially or fully neutralized by covalent or coordinate covalent bonding to the IEM. Examples of these preferred BHEMs include negatively charged groups such as phosphate mono-ester, phosphate diester, carboxylate, aind sulphonate. More preferred are those which have phosphate groups or any ester-forms thereof.
Even more preferred are phosphate diesters, since: a) they are high:Ly hydrophilic with four hydrogen-bonding lo oxygens; b) they are relatively readily synthesized using techniques shown below; c) they serve as excellent linkers between the IEM and the PPBM; and d) because phosphate compounds exist and are metabolized naturally in the body, phosphate diester-containing contrast agents are expected to be non-toxic.
All of the above groups may in turn be attached to a linker moiety linking them to either the IEM, the PPBM, or both. A linker moiety is any physiologically compatible chemical group that does not interfere with the functions of the IEM, PPBM, or BHEM.
Preferred linkers are synthetically easy to incorporate into the contrast agent. They are also not so unduly large as to manifest their own undesired biological function or targeting influence onto the contrast agent. Preferably, the length of the linker is between 1 and 50 angstroms, more preferably 1 and 10 angstroms.
The incorporation into a contrast agent of this invention of a BHEM results in prolonged blood retention of the agent. Blood retention is preferably measured by calculating, in a rat plasma pharmacokinet:ic experiment, the area under the plasma concentratiori versus time curve ("Area Under the Curve"

-zo-or "AUC-conc.p) for a specific length of time (e.g., 0-10 minutes, 0-30 min., 0-60 min., 0-120 min., or 0-infinity). Blood retention (as measured by AUC-conc) can be evaluated experimentally by administration of a contrast agent to rats, rabbits, or higher mammals. It has been observed that blood half-life extension is greater in rabbits and higher mammals than in rats. In this application, blood half-life data, as measured by AUC-conc., represents experimentation in io rats. The error associated with this data is approximately +/- 10%.
The reason that a half-life measurement itself is not used is that the mathematical definition of this quantity is often not clear and the resulting estimates are variable depending on the pharmacokinetic model used and the length of time the blood samples were obtained.
For example, the average plasma concentrations observed after tail vein injection of 0.1 mmol/kg of Gd153-labeled Gd-DTPA in two rats is shown below. Using the Macintosh program KaleidaGraph, this AUC-conc. from 0 to 10 minutes was calculated as 3.5 mM min.

*Trade-mark WO 96/23526 PCTlUS96100164 Gd-DTPA; 0.1 mmoVkg; n=2 0..8 1 0.B
AUC-conc, 0-10 rnin. = 3.5 mM min.
O=t!

a9 0.2 io Time (min) is The contrast agents of this invention exhibit an AUC-conc. increase of at least 20% when the BHEM is added to the IEM and PPBM. They preferably exhibit an AUC-conc. increase of at least 40%, more preferably at least 70% and even more preferably at least 100%. In 20 general, the increase in AUC-conc. caused by a BHEM is greater when the binding in plasma is significant, e.g., 20%-50% or greater. The calculated percent increase in AUC-conc. may be different for AUC-conc.'s determined over different time periods. Generally, the 25 percent increzise in AUC-conc. caused by the BHEM is greater for AtJC-conc.'s taken over longer periods, e.g, 0-30 min., rather than 0-10 min.
Since the structure and physical character-istics of the entire contrast agent molecule will 30 govern its binding in plasma, it is important to select IEMs and BHEMs that are compatible with the desired binding. For example, to achieve binding to the positively charged binding sites on HSA, it is prefer~'ed to have IEMs and BHEMs of net neutral or net negative charge to reduce the possibility of repulsion and perhaps even increase binding affinity. For binding to alpha acid glycoprotein, at least some portion of the contrast agent should be positively charged. For binding to globulins, at least some portion of the contrast agent should be steroidal in nature. For binding to lipoproteins, at least some io portion of the contrast agent should be lipophilic or fatty acid-like.
The contrast agents of the present invention fall generally into three categories:
1) Blood pool aQents. When the binding affinity to plasma proteins is high (i.e., greater than 50% bound, or preferably greater than 80% bound, or more preferably greater than 95% bound), the agents tend to act primarily as blood pool agents. While the agents can access the interstitial space (the 2o extracellular space in between cells) outside blood capillaries, generally the concentration of relevant plasma proteins such as HSA are lower in that space compared to plasma. Thus, the plasma concentration of the agents is higher than the interstitial concentration, and therefore structures in the body such as blood vessels or tissues containing a large amount of blood vessels are enhanced more than structures with low blood content. The applications for this type of agent include angiography (imaging of 3o blood vessels), perfusion (determining the rate of blood flow into a tissue or tumor using rapid imaging), and blood volume determinations (e.g., to distinguish WO 96/23526 PCT/iTS96/00164 malignant tumors with good blood supply from benign tumors with lower blood volume).
2) M,' sG77P- or tumor-e hancement agents. In some cases it is desired to allow the contrast agent to rapidly access the interstitial space and bind to plasma proteins there. For example, in NgtI it may be desired to get the greatest possible enhancement from a tissue or tumor as soon as possible after injection.
Since protein-bound MRI agents yield greater lo enhancement than free agents, the best agent would be one which can enter the interstitial space and bind to proteins. However, if the agent is highly bound in plasma, say greater than 95% bound, its transfer rate across the capillaries (determined by the free concentration) is too slow, and very little of the agent gets into the interstitial space and produces signal enhancement of tissue. Likewise, if the binding is only 10%, then the agent is free to enter the interstitial space but has little signal-enhancing power. Thus, a proper balance of transfer rate and binding affinity is required. For these applications, the binding of the agents in plasma should be greater than 10% and less than 95%, or preferably greater than 50% and less than 95%.
This approach is particularly useful in tumor imaging with MRI. Malignant tumors often have better blood flow than benign tumors, and thus rapid imaging of tumor (and interstitial) uptake can often distinguish these tumor types. However, for clinical 3o application, one needs the greatest signal difference between the two tissues to allow clearer discrimination. The signal enhancement via protein binding will help in this regard. In addition, the new, rapidly growing capillaries of malignant tumors are leaky, leading to a higher concentration of plasma proteins in the interstitial space of these tumors.
This may lead to greater signal enhancement in the malignant tumors compared to benign tumors with less leaky capillaries.
3) Taraeted agents. When the agent is targeted to a specific tissue or lesion in the body, a io similar logic as that described in the two paragraphs above applies. The relative affinities of the agent for plasma proteins and the target site needs to be balanced such that the agent has some access to bindto the target and at the same time has some binding to plasma proteins to increase blood half-life. For targeted applications, the binding of the agents in plasma should be greater than 10% and less than 95%, or preferably greater than 50% and less than 95%.
The targeting moiety may be a lipophilic substance,-receptor ligand, antibody, or other biomolecule that is known to concentrate in the specific biological component desired to be imaged.

Structural Positioning It is contemplated that the three moieties of the contrast agents of this invention can be arranged in a variety of positions with respect to each other.
However, the position of the moieties may not be such that one moiety interferes with the intended function of the other. For example, in an HSA-binding contrast agent the placement of the BHEM should not block the ability of the PPBM to bind the agent to HSA. Since WO 96/23526 PCT/[IS96100164 the major binding sites in HSA are sock-like (X. M. He et al., Nature, 3-,U, pp. 209-215 (1992); D. C. Carter, Adv. Protein Chem., AL, pp. 153-203 (1994)), with .hydrophobic interiors (especially near the "toe"
region) and positively charged "ankle" regions, the binding affinity of a PPBM would decrease if the distal portion of the PPBM were made extremely hydrophilic.
As an illustrative example, if the PPBM is a phenyl ring, the most preferred BHEM position on the ring is lo ortho, followed by meta. A hydrophilic group in the para position would reduce-the PPBM's binding affinity to HSA.
For IEMs that consist of a metal chelate, it is preferred t:hat the BHEMs and PPBMs not be attached to the IEM so as to significantly reduce the strength of the bindincT between the metal ion and chelating ligand. For example, where the chelating arm is acetate, the 13HEM or PPBM is preferably not attached to the acetate oxygen.
Another positional requirement is that the BHEM's negatively charged atoms cannot be partially or fully neutralized by covalent or coordinate covalent bonding to the IEM; this ensures that in aqueous systems the very hydrophilic atoms of the BHEM will be highly solvated. For example, when the IEM is a metal chelate, it is important to position the negatively charged atoms of the BHEM so that they cannot become neutralized by the positively charged metal ion (M"+) of the IEM through coordinate covalent bonding via the formation of 5- or 6-membered chelate rings, the most stable ring sizes. Since 5-membered chelate rings are the most stable for the metal ions of interest for IEMs (such as gadolinium), it is most important to prevent their formation. Thus, as shown in the drawing below, a phosphinate (-P02-) or phosphonate (-P03-) BHEM cannot be attached to the nitrogen atom of an aminocarboxylate chelating agent via a -CH2- linker since this will form a very stable 5-membered chelate ring. Similarly, a phosphodiester (-OP03-) BHEM should not be attached to the nitrogen atom of an aminocarboxylate chelating agent via a -CH2- linker since this could form a 6-io membered chelate ring. However, both of these BHEMs can be attached to other positions, such as the ethylene backbone of the ligand. In some cases, as shown, it may be preferred to increase the length of the linker group to make certain that 5- or 6-membered rings cannot form.

Phosphinate BF>M

Strongly disfavored a* (5-membered chelate ring, =-.o/ \ charge neutralized) R
OP/
/
Disfavored CH? (6-membered chelate ring, charge neutralized) IN N
\
=,. %a+
M
R

Cx2 More preferred (no possibility of 5- or Op{Z 6-membered chelate rings or charge neutralization) ~N` p ,h+
== ~
M

It is contemplated that the moieties of this invention can be positioned in the contrast agent so that the following structures may result:

(1) IEM - [ (L),, - { (BHEM), - (PPBM)o }p ]q (2) IEM: - [ (PPBM)o (BHEM), ]r (3) IEM - (PPBM)o (L)~ - (BHEM), wherein IEM an image-enhancing moiety, L is a linker moiety, BHEM is a blood half-life extending moiety, PPBM is a plasma protein binding moiety, m can be equal to 0-4, s, o, and p can be the same or different and equal to 1-4, and r and q are at least one.
If the moieties of this invention are positioned in the contrast agent as in structure (1) above, the BHEM is preferably sulfone, urea, thio-urea, amine, sulfonamide, carbamate, peptide, ester, carbonate, acetals and more preferably il Y'-Z-YQ or ester forms, Y2-Rz where Z = P, W, Mo, or S
Yl, YZ = O or S

Y3, Y4 = 0, S or not present R2 = H, C1_6 alkyl or not present.

Most preferably, the BHEM is a phosphate group.
If the moieties of this invention are positioned in the contrast agent as in structure (2) above, the BHIDS is preferably sulfone, urea, thio-urea, amine, sulfonamide, carbamate, peptide, ester, carbonate, acetals and more preferably the BHEM has the following formiila:

Y3-Z-Y4 or ester forms, I

where Z = P, W, or Mo Yl, Yz = 0 or S
Y3, Ya = 0, S or not present R2 = H, Cl_6 alkyl or not present.
Most preferably, BHEM is a phosphate group.
If the moieties of this invention are positioned in the contrast agent as in structure (3) above, the BHEM is preferably S03- or ester forms, sulfone, urea, thio-urea, amine, sulfonamie, carbamate, peptide, ester, carbonate, acetal and more preferably Y3-Z-Y" or ester forms, I

where Z = P, W, Mo, or S
Y1, y2 = 0 or S
Y3, Y4 = 0, S or not present.

RZ = H, C1_6 alkyl or not present.

Most preferably, the BHEM is a phosphate group.
It is contemplated that if the moieties of this invention are positioned in the contrast agent as in structure (3) above, preferred contrast agents have the formulas:

Ri R2 R3 R4 R, i o 02C C02 O N N O

R12 Rs R/ ~i R14 M
or Rg Rl R2 Rio 02C C02 IL 25 Rg XM
R7 N N Ra Ri5/ C02 R6 R5 Rl l where M is a metal ion with an atomic number of 21-29, 42, 44 or 57-83, where Rl, R2, Rs- R4, Rsr R6, R7, Re, R9, Rlo, RI, and R16 can be the same or different and selected from the group consisting of H, PPBM, BHEM and Cl-6 alkyl, provided that at least one of these Rs is PPBM and at least another is BHEM, R12, R13 and Rl, can be the same or different and selected from the group consisting of 0-1o and N (H) Rlõ
R15 = H, CH2CH (OH) CH3, hydroxy alkyl or CH (R16) COR12 and Rl, = H or Cl_6 alkyl.
For contrast agents comprising the formulas shown above, the metal ion M is more preferably Gd(III), Fe(III), Mn(II), Mn(III), Cr(III), Cu(II), Dy(III), Tb(III), Ho(I7:I), Er(III) or Eu(III), and most preferably Gd(III). The BHEM is preferably sulfone, ether, urea, thio-urea, amine, amide, sulfonamie, carbamate, peptide, ester, carbonate, acetal and more preferably COO- or ester forms, S03" or ester forms and Yl Y3-Z-Y4 or ester forms, YZ-RZ
where Z= P, W, Mo, or S
Yl, y2 = 0 or S

Y3, Y' = 0, S or not present.

R2 = H, Cl_6 gLlkyl or not present.

In the case of an HSA-binding contrast agent, the BHEM may be placed in between the IEM and the PPBM
as shown above in structure (1) or on the IEM away from the PPBM as shown above in structure (3). In this manner the full binding potential of the hydrophobic PPBM group can be expressed without interference from the hydrophilic BHEM group.
The following two pairs of examples serve to show the benefits of a phosphate BHEM inserted in between the IEM Gd-DTPA and two. different PPBMs, an octyl C8 aliphatic group and a naphthylmethyl group.
Rats were injected intravenously (tail vein) with 0.1 mmol/kg of the Gdls3 radiolabeled complexes. Plasma concentrations were determined over 30 minutes and fit to a standard bi-exponential two-compartment model.
Results for the elimination half-life are shown as well as the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC-conc.) for the first 10 minutes. In addition, the 1/T1s of the plasma samples were recorded (at 20 MHZ, 37 deg. C) to assess the efficacy as MRI
agents. These values were expressed as area under the 1/T1 versus tinue curve (AUC-1/Tl) for the first 10 minutes.

02C \ /\, //-CO2 Z
N N
02C \'--cO2-Gd3+
t bound AUC-conc AUC-1/T1 Cmpd R to HSA tl/2= min mM .min s-1 + min DTPA H 0 15.0 3.5 27 MS-301 CH3 (CH2) 7- 44 6.2 2.7 59 O- -O~CH2-MS-315 CH3(CHZ) ~ p 56 14.0 3.4 87 MS-310 30 6.8 1.8 29 MS-321 O 40 14.0 3.2 54 As shown in the above table, the addition of a phosphate BHEM to MS-301 and MS-310 (resulting in MS-315 and MS-321, respectively) increased the blood half-life of the contrast agent (as measured by AUC-conc.) by 26% and 78%, respectively.
The IEM Gd-DTPA is relativeiy hydrophilic and io exhibits little or no binding to HSA. Thus, its relaxivity in plasma is not optimized and its ability to alter the 1/T1 (and blood signal on MRI) over time is limited (see the relatively low AUC-1/T1 value). This is despite its relatively long blood half-life of 15 minutes.

To improve the HSA binding and relaxivity, a C. octyl group can be placed on the 1-position of the DTPA backbone. While this does impart HSA binding to the chelate and some improvement in blood signal, the lipophilic group alone leads to a much-shortened plasma half-life. The insertion of the phosphate-based BHEM
actually enhances HSA binding and restores the plasma half-life to a value close to Gd-DTPA. As a result, the blood signal is considerably improved.
io The proper placement of the BHEM in these examples shows the importairce of this aspect of the invention. The addition of strongly hydrophilic groups to MS-301 or MS-310 enhanced binding to some degree.
The placement of the phosphate groups in MS-315 and MS-321 between the IEM and the PPBM may allow the full hydrophobic surface of the PPBMs to interact with the interior of the HSA sites and at the same time create new beneficial interactions (e.g., electrostatic or hydrogen-bonding) between the compound and the "ankle"
2o region of the HSA sites. In particular, it is possible that the negatively-charged phosphate groups are positioned well to interact with the positively-charged residues that line the "ankle" region.
As indicated above, the percentage increase in AUC-conc. can depend on the time for which measurements are made. For example, the addition of the phosphate BHEM onto MS-310 to make MS-321 increased the AUC-conc. for 0-10 min. from 1.8 to 3.2 mM min., a 78% increase. However, the AUC-conc. for 0-30 min.
increased from 2.46 to 5.57 mM min., a 126% increase.
The following contrast agents are made:

Bu Bu Bu Bu c C~
OZ~, c~
o O o 0 y y Co2 rl-~\ -~C~ ~/ \ ~~ OzC_\ ~COz N N /
~.1 N ~3+ \ N
'OzC-/~ J ~3+ ~CO2- ~C_ ~-COz Bu Bu O
O
I O-P~

COz ~C,-~02 0iC~ rA ,~Oz N N N N\
-OzC~ ~Oz- ~C~ ~-COZ-Gd3+ Gd3+

o OZC COp COz N N
02C-/ Gd3+ \-C02-Bu O 0-1 Bu (CHZ)n CO2 (CHZ)n 02 02C ::>/\- , / \ / 02 O2C-\ ~ rll-c-\ 11-C02 N N N N N
02C -COy 02CJ `-cOz ~3+ ~3+
Bu Bu O O

(CHn C02 (CHn C02 02C~ rl-\ N / 02 02C-\ N ~ N
N
~/ ~
02C-/ \-C02- 02C_/ \\--CO2-Gd3+ Gd3+

CH3(CH2)9--__O S03 O
(CHZ)n CO2 02C---\ / \ N N
~
02CJ \,-CO2 Gd3+

In the above agents, n can be equal to 1-4.

OR

02c~ rz:~~Mh7 ~~ ~
-~_~ - ~Ocji UG

wherein R comprises an aliphatic group and/or at least one aryl ring, or-comprises a peptide containing hydrophobic amino acid residues and/or substituents with or without hydrophobic or hydrophilic termination groups.
The preferred contrast agents of this invention are:

o7-o o_T_o Oz- COz 02C-\ /~ r,,l_/ 0z 0zC-~ 0z OZC-/ N N N" -COZ- OZC-N N N\-CO2-Gd3+ Cd3+

07-O 0=T-0 OZC~ / ~02 OyC~ rI/ 02 /-~ ^02 ~ COZ
/N N N /N N N
OpCJ ~3+ \-COp OpCJ Gd3+ \-COz Ph Ph 0=R-O O-i -O

C0z C02 0ZC-S--\ rI~o Z 02C--, rl~ ~~z N N N rt~ N. N
-0ZC ~3+ OZCJ Gd3+ \--COZ
1/8-325 1tS-326 OMe O-'-O O-P-0 Q b COp COq oMe 02C / O2 OZC------ \ / Os N N N N N N
OZC Gd3+ \-CO2- 02C-/ Gd3+ \~COZ-The more preferred contrast agents of this invention are MS-317, MS-322, MS-325 and MS-328. The most preferred is MS-325.

Additional Pronerties of the Contrast Agents Since different chiral forms of drugs or biomolecules can influence their performance in vivo, the same is likely to be true of the contrast agents of this invention. For every given chiral center, one form may have higher relaxivity, blood half-life, lower toxicity, fewer metabolites, or some other advantage or combination of these advantages. These chiral forms will be preferred.
To facilitate administration and uptake, the contrast agents of the present invention should have good water solubility. Preferably, the contrast agents are soluble to a concentration of at least 1.0 mM, and preferably 10 mM, and more preferably 100 mM in water at room temperature.
For injection, the formulated agents should have only moderate viscosity to allow for rapid, convenient injections. The viscosity should be less than 10.20 x 10-9 kg-s/m2 (10 centipoise), or preferably less than 5.10 x 10-4 kg-s/m2 (5 centipoise), or more preferably less than 2.04 x 10-4 kg-s/m2 (2 centipoise) For injection, the formulated agents should also not have excessive osmolality, since this can increase toxicity. The osmolality should be less than 3000 milliosmoles/kg, or preferably less than 2500 milliosmoles/kg, or most preferably less than 900 milliosmoles/kg.

AMENDED SHEET
lPEWER

-aa-Z7Ge of the Contrast A ents It is also contemplated that the IEM may comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of this invention include those derived from inorganic or organic acids and bases. Included among such acid salts are the following: acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, io citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentane-propionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate,, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, 2-.naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, pamoate, pectinate, persiilfate, 3-phenyl-propionate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate. Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, such as sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts, such as calcium, magnesium and zinc salts, salts with organic bases, such as dicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and so forth. Also, the basic nitrogen-containing groups can be quaternized with such agents as lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride, bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates, such as dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides, such as benzyl and phenethyl bromides and others. Water 03: oil-soluble or dispersible products are thereby obtained. The preferred salts of this invention are the N-methyl-D-glucamine, calcium and sodium salts.
The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention comprise any of the complexes of the present invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, together with any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvan't or vehicle. Pharmaceutically 1o acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles that may be used in the pharmaceutical-compositions of this invention include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, TRIS (tris(hydroxymethyl)amino-methane), partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloida]. silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol and wool fat.
Accorciing to this invention, the pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable preparation, for example a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable '-42-preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and ,isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic lo mono- or di-glycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride deri.vatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceuti-cally-acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castbr oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant, such as 2b,, Helv or similar alcohol.
Since the contrast agents of this invention bind to plasma proteins, in some cases depending on the dose and rate of injection, the binding sites on plasma proteins may become saturated. This will lead to decreased binding of the agent and could compromise half-life or tolerability. Thus, it may be desirable to inject the agent pre-bound to a sterile albumin or plasma replacement solution. Alternatively, an apparatus/syringe can be used that contains the contrast agent and mixes it with blood drawn up into the syringe; this is then re-injected into the patient.
The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir-in dosage formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. The term "parenteral" as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, int:ramuscular, intra-articular, intra-synovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intrahepatic, intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.
When administered orally, the pharmaceutical lo compositions of this invention may be administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, aqueous suspensions or solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers which are commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueous suspensions are required for oral use, the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening, flavoring or coloring agents may also be added.
Alternatively, when administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be prepared by mixing the agent with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.
As noted before, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be administered topically, especially when the target of treatment includes areas or organs readily accessible by topical application, including the eye, the skin, or the lower intestinal tract. Suitable topical formulations are readily prepared for each of these areas or organs.
Topical application for the lower intestinal tract can be effected in a rectal suppository formulation (see above) or in a suitable enema formulation. Topically-transdermal patches may also be io used.
For topical appltcations, the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated in a suitable ointment containing the active component suspended or dissolved in one or more carriers. Carriers for topical administration of the compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, poly-oxyethylene, polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the pharmaceutical composi-tions can be formulated in a suitable lotion or cream containing the active components suspended or dissolved in one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.
For ophthalmic use, the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, either with our without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride. Alternatively, for ophthalmic uses, the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.
For administration by nasal aerosol or inhalation, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, lo and/or other conventional solubilizing or dispersing agents.
Dosage depends on the sensitivity of the diagnostic imaging instrumentation, as well as the composition of the contrast agent. For example, for MRI imaging, a contrast agent containing a highly paramagnetic substance, e.g., gadolinium (III), generally requires a lower dosage than a contrast agent containing a paramagnetic substance with a lower magnetic moment, e.g., iron (III). Preferably, dosage will be in the range of about 0.001 to 1 mmol/kg body weight per day of the active metal-ligand complex. More preferably, dosage will be in the range of about 0.005 and about 0.05 mmol/kg body weight per day.
It should be understood, however, that a specific dosage regimen for any particular patient will also depend upon a variety of factors, including the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the judgment of the treating physician.
If the application of this invention is MRI
imaging, following administration of the appropriate dosage of the contrast agent, MRI imaging is carried out. The choice of pulse sequence (inversion recovery, IR; spin echo, SE, echo planar, EPI; time-of-flight, TOF; turbo-flash; gradient echo, GE) and the values of the imaging parameters (echo time, TE; inversion time, TI; repetition time, TR; flip angel, etc.) will be governed by the diagnostic information sought. In general, if one desires to obtain T1-weighted images, then TE should be less than 30 milliseconds (or the minimum value) to maximize T1-weighting. Conversely, if one desires to measure TZ, then TE should be greater than 30 milliseconds to mirrimize competing T1 effects.
TI and TR will remain approximately the same for both T1_ and T2-weighted images; TI and TR are generally on the order of about 5-1000 and 2-1000 milliseconds, respectively.
The MRI contrast agents of the present invention are useful for general imaging of tumors, blood-brain-barrier breakdown, and other lesions. In addition they are very useful for examining perfusion, i.e., the blood flow into and out of tissues (heart, brain, legs, lungs, kidneys, tumors, etc.), and blood vessels (MR angiography). In addition, the agents can be used to enhance the signal changes in the brain during cognitive events (functional MRI).
It is contemplated that the contrast agents of the present invention may also be used to enhance diagnostic X-ray imaging as well as ultrasound and light imaging. In these cases, the doses of the agent will be approximately equal to that in MRI (0.001-10 mmol/kg). For nuclear imaging, however, the doses will be at tracer levels. For all of these techniques, the use and administration of contrast agents and the = 75940-8 settings on the imaging machines is known in the art or uses commonly accepted principles.
In order that this invention may be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth.
F.X AMPT.F'' S
ExDerimental Unless otherwise noted, all materials were obtained from commercial suppliers and used without further purification. THF was distilled from potassium benzophenone ketyl immediately prior to use. Methylene chloride was distilled over calcium hydride. All column chromatography was carried out under nitrogen by flash method described by Still with silica gel (230-400 mesh, EM Separation). All reactions were monitored by thin layer chromatography (TLC) performed on aluminum-backed silica gel 60 F254, 0.2-mm plates (EM
Separation), and compounds were visualized under UV
light (254 nm),_Ninhydrin-Plus reagent or Dragendorff's*
reagent (both Alltech) subsequent heating. Routine proton NMR spectra were recorded at 300 MHZ in CDC1j with TMS as internal standard, except for the spectra recorded in D20. Coupling constants (J) are reported in Hertz (Hz). 31P NMR spectra were obtained at 121.4 MHZ.
Preparation of Phosphoramidite Intermediate_ A. Serine Ethylenediamine Amide Serine methyl ester hydrochloride (36.03 g, 232 mmol) was dissolved in 400 mL ethylenediamine and *Trade-mark was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The ethylenediamine was removed by evaporation at reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in 80 mL 4 N NaOH
and was concentrated under reduced pressure. This material was dissolved in methanol (150 mL), filtered and concentrated twice. This residue was suspended in methylene chloride (150 mL) and methanol (5-10 mL) was added with heating until the oily residue was dissolved. The solution was dried over Na2SOõ filtered io through celite*and concentrated. The viscous oily product was carried on without further purification.

B. `y rox et ldiethvlenetriamine Trihydrochloride The crude amide (<230 mmol) was dissolved in 100 mL THF. Borane=THF (1150 mL, 1.0 M) was added slowly to the stirred solution. The reaction was then refluxed under Ar for 16 hours. The excess borane was quenched by careful addition of 250 mL methanol at 0 C.
The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Concentrated HC1 (100 mL) was added slowly with cooling and the solution was then refluxed for 24 hours. The product mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and was crystallized from MeOH/EtOH.
This yielded 39.92 g of white solid (71% from methyl ester).

C. 1-Hvdroxvmethyl-DTPA-2enta-t-butyl ester (1) To a solution of the hydroxymethyl diethylenetriamine trihydrochloride (30.25 g, 124.70 mmol) and diisopropylethylamine (218 ml, 1.25 mol) in 300 ml of dry DMF at room temperature under N2 was added t-Butyl bromoacetate (126 ml, 0.78 mol) and stirred *Trade-mark for 24 hours at room temperature. Solvents were then evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc and extracted with H20, NaHCO3 (sat) , H20 and NaCl (sat). The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (CHC13 only - CHC13 : MeOH = 100 1) to give, the pure product (oil, 70.12 g, 81.7 %): Rf (CHC13 : MeOH = 10 : 1) 0.54, (ether : hexanes = 2 : 1) 0.23; 1H-NMR ( CDC13 ) d 1.44 ( brs, 45H ), 2. 44-3 . 06 (m, 6H), 3.24 and 3.29 (each d, each 1H, J = 16.8), lo 3.34-3.58 (m, 10H), 3.66 (dd, 1H, J = 11.2, 5.3), 4.20-4.70 (br, 1H) .

D. Phosphoramidite intermediate (2) To a stirred solution of the penta t-butyl ester (1) (12.88 g, 18.72 mmol) and di i sopropyl ethyl amine (4.55 g, 36 ranol) in dist. CH2C12 (100 ml) was added 2-cyanoethyl N,N-diisopropylchlorophosphoramidite (5.92 g, 25 mmol) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, the solution was diluted with 100 ml of CH2C12 and washed with ice-cold 10 % NaHCO3 solution (100 ml ), H20 (100 ml ), and brine (100 ml) and dried over MgSO4. The organic layer was evaporated to afford crude product as a pale yellow oil (2). This crude oil can be used for the next coupling resction without further purification.
Examples 1-6 below show the synthesis of some of the preferred contrast agents of this invention according to the following generalized scheme:

Synthesis of Phosphodiester Ligands ~.,.~y .
SOH

( t-BuOOCCI} ) zN NN ( CH2COO-t-Bu )z-- N-( t-BuOOCCi} ) ZN~/ \N( CHZCOO-t-Bu )2 CH2COO-t-Bu CH2COO-t-Bu Q~ OR

/
(t-Bu00CCIE) 2N N I (CFC00-t-Bu --~
CHZCOO-t-Bu 3a-f OR \\OR
/O/~ ' O/ OH
` ONH4 ( t-BuOOCCt} ) ZN N~\N ( CHZCOO-t-Bu )z1- ( HOOCCFi) 2N N/--\N ( CHZCOOH )2 CHZCOO-t-Bu CHzCOOH
48'f 5a-f a) R-(C)jZ>7CH3 b) R=-(CIt) SPh c) R= iCH2) o-o OMe Ph Me d) R-(CFp)10Ph a) RPh f) R=-(CHz)a OMe Exampl e 1 Prenaration of MS-315 - (2),(3a)- (4a),(5a) A. n-Octyloxv iphosnhate (3a) Prepared from a crude phosphoramidite intermediate (2) (prepared from 4.40 g, 6.40 mmol of 1-hydroxymethyl-DTPA-penta-t-butyl ester (1)) by the same , . . .

procedure described for (3d) and purified by silica gel column chromatography (CHC13/MeOH) [2.71 g, 44.7 % total yield from (2) ]. Rf (CHC13 : MeOH = 10 : 1) 0.33.

B. n-Octyl phospho diester (4a) Prepared from the phosphate (3a) (2.70 g, 2.84 imaol ) by the same procedure described for -(4=) (2.17 g, 85:1 $).

C. MS-315 (5a) The solution of (4a) (2.16 g, 2.41 mmol) in trifluoroacetic acid (20 ml) standing at room temperature for 1 hour. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved with 5 ml of H20. The solution was purified with C1e reverse phase silica gel *
column (Sep-Pak pre-packed cartridge, Waters) (H20 only - CH3CN : H20 = 1: 4) to give the pure product (5a) (1 .13 g, 76.2 $ ) . 71P-NMR (D20) d2.3.
E}[amDle 2 Prepa_ration of MS-317 - (2)-(3b)-(4b)-(5b) A. 5-Phenvl-l-DP_n y7oxy phnsnhatp (3b) Prepared from a crude phosphoramidite intermediate (2) (prepared from 2.72 g, 3.96 mmol of 1-hydroxy-DTPA-penta-t-butyl ester (1)) by the same procedure described for (3d) except that the crude product (3b) was used for the next reaction without silica gel column chromatography (4.28 g crude). Rf (CHC13 : MeOH = 10 : 1) 0.26.

*Trade-mark . , . .

B. 5-Phenvl-l-nentyl ohocnhodip.stpr (4b) Prepared from the phosphate (3b) by the same procedure described for (4e) except that the crude product was purified with Sephadex LH 20 chromatography (2.72 g crude ). Rf (CHC13 : MeOH = 10 : 1) 0.11.

C. MS-317 (5b', _ Prepared from the crude (4b) (2.72 g) by the same procedure described for (5a) [1.12 g, 43.5 % total 1o yield from phosphoramidite intermediate (2) ). 31P-HIMR
(D20) dO.1.

Ex~,~le 3 Preparation of MS-322 - (2)- (3 1, (4cL (5c1 A. 2-(4-Bi32henvl_y1l-1-ethoxy phosnhate (3c) Prepared from a purified phosphoramidate intermediate (2) (3.50 g, 3.87 mmol) by the same procedure described for (3d) except that the crude product of (3c) (4.13 g crude) was used for the next 2o reaction without silica gel column.chromatography.

B. 2- (4-Binhnyl y1 )-1-ethy1 phosnhod' PatAr (4c) Prepared from the phosphate (3c) (4.13 g crude) by the same procedure described for (4e) except that the crude product was purified with Sephadex LH 20 chromatography (2.34 g crude).

C. MS-322 (5c) Prepared from the crude (4c) (2.34 g) by the same procedure described for (5a) [1.15 g, 43.5 % total *Trade-mark yield from phosphoramdite intermediate (2)]. 31P-NMR
(D20) d3.7.

Exam-ple 4 Prenaration of MS-323 - (2 ) , ( 3d) -( 4d) -( 5d) A. 10-Ph~~ny] -1-decanoxy 12hosnhate (3d) To a purified phosphoramidiate (2) (15.20 g, 16.81 mmol) in dist. CH3CN (50 ml) was added 10-phenyl-1-decanol (9.00 g, 38.39 mmol) and 1H-tetrazole (2.36 io g, 33.70 mmol) in dist CH3CN (50 ml) . T-butylhydroperox.ide (90%, 2:33 ml, 21.00 mmol) was added and reacted and left for 1 hour at room temperature.
The solvent was concentrated in vacuo (ca. 10 ml) and the residue was portioned between AcOEt and H20. The organic layer was washed with H20 and NaCl (sat.), dried over MgSO4 and evaporated. The residue was purified with silica gel column chromatography (hexanes only -hexanes : ether = 1 : 1 and then CHC13 : MeOH = 100 : 1 - 50 : 1) to give the product (3d) (14.12 g, 79.7 $).
2o Rf (CHC13 : MeOFi = 10 : 1) 0.35.

B. 10-Phenyl-l-decanyl phosphodiester (4d}
Prepared from the phosphate (3d) (12.27 g, 11.65 mmol) by the same procedure for (4e) (10.52 g, 90.3 $). Rf (CHC13 : MeOH = 10 : 1) 0.15.

C. MS-323 (5d) The mixture of (4d) (10.50 g, 10 . 50 mmol) in cHC1 (trace metal grade, 15 ml) and ether (15 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight and ether was evaporated in vacuo. To the resulting aqueous layer (PH < 0) was added cNHOH to adjust the PH to 1.5. The precipitated white solid was collected by filtration and washed with dil. HC1 soln. (PH 1.5, 3 times, 100 ml each) and ether (3 times,'200 ml each). The white solid was dried under pump for 24 hours at room temperature to afford pure product (5d) (6.80 g, 90.0%). 31P-NMR (D20 + NaOD, PH = 13.5) d4.9.

Examnle 5 lo PreFaration of MS-325 - (2), (3e)-(4e)-(5e) A. 4.4-Diphenylcyc18hexv1oxv nhosphate (3e)Prepared from a purified phosphoramidite intermediate (2) (4.52 g, 5.00 mmol) by the same procedure described for (3d) except that silicagel is column chromatography solvents (CHZC12 only - CH2ClZ
MeOH = 100 : 1) (2.97 g, 55.4$). Rf (CHC13 : MeOH = 10 1) 0.47.

B. 4,4-DiRhenylcyclohexyl. RhosRhodiester (4e) 20 The solution of (3e) (2.14 g, 2.00 mmol) in 2 M NH3-MeOH (30 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue (4e) (2.00 g, 98.3 %) was used for the next reaction without further purification. Rf (CHC13 : MeOH = 10 : 1) 0.12 C. MS-325 (5e) The mixture of (4b) (2.00 g, 1.96 mmol) in cHC1 (trace metal grade, 5 ml) and ether (5 ml) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvents were evaporated off and the residue was triturated with H20 (100 ml). The resulting precipitate was filtered and washed with H20 (5 times, 10 ml each) and ether (5 'WO 96/23526 PCT/US96/00164 times, 50 ml each). The solid product was dried under pump at room temperature for 24 hours to give the pure product (5b) (1.18 g, 81.5 %). 31P-NMR (D20 + NaOD, PH
= 13.5) d -0.3.

Exam-ple 6 P_er parati_on of lKS-328 - (2)- (3f)-(4f)-(5f) -A. 4' 4-bis ( 4-MethoxyDhenyl )pentyl nhosAhate (3f) Prepared from 32.5 g (36 mmol) of the crude phosphoramidite (2) and 4,A-bis(4-Methoxyphenyl)pentanol (21.06 g, 70 mmol) by the procedure described for (3d). Chromatography was performed in 50% EtOAc/hexane to yield 18.27 g of a yellow oil which was heavily contaminated with the starting alcoho:L. Rf (50% EtOAc/Hex) 0.4.

B. 4, 4-b.is (4-Methoxyph -nv ) pentyl phosDhodi -s r (4f) A solution of (3f) (18.27 g).was prepared by the same procedure described for (4e) (17.26 g).

C. MS-32E3 (5f) Prepared from (4f) (17.26 g) by the procedure described for (5a) yielding 4.88 g of white solid (4.87 mmol, 13% yield from phosphoramidite) . 31P-NMR (D20) d2.3.

Examole 7 Tn si*-u formulation of the N-methyi -alucam' ne salt of the aadolinium comtilex of 5a (MS-315) (200 mM, 5 mL) Gadolinium oxide (Gd203) (0.181 g, 0.5 mmol), compound (5a) (92% by weight, 0.703 g, 1.05 mmol) and N-methyl-glucamine (NMG) (4.1 g, 3.6 mmol) were weighed in a test tube. Deionized water (3.5 mL) was added and the mixture stirred at 954C for 7 hours, after which the solution was cooled to room temperature and the volume adjusted to 5.0 mL with deionized water. The solution was filtered through a 2 x 10-6 m(2 micron) filter to give an aqueous solution of the titled compound.

Example 8 In situ formul tion of the N-methyl-qlucamine salt of the cradolinium complex of 5b (MS-317) (200 mM, 4 mL) Gadolinium oxide (Gd203) (0.145 g, 0.4 mmol), compound (5b) (81% by weight, 0.706 g, 0.84 mmol) and N-methyl-glucamine (NMG) (0.60 g, 8.1 mmol) were weighed in a test tube. Deionized water (3 mL) was added and the mixture stirred at 952C for 6 hours, after which the solution was cooled to room temperature and the volume adjusted t_o 4.0_mL_with deionized water.
The solution was filtered through a 2 x 10-6 m (2 micron) filter to give an aqueous solution of the titled compound.

Example 9 In situ formulation of the N-methyl-glucamine salt of the gadolinium complex of 5c (MS-322) (200 mM, 4 mL) Gadolinium oxide (Gd203) (0.145 g, 0.4 mmol), compound (5c) (79% by weight, 0.729 g, 0.84 mmol) and N-methyl-glucamine (NMG) (0.61 g, 3.1 mmol) were i,~i=ii=.y ~ t ~. .-.s.~
= V'.

~

weighed in a test tube. Deionized water (3 mL) was added and the mixture stirred at 954C for 6 hours, after which the solution was cooled to room temperature and the volume adjusted to 4.0 mL with deionized water.
The solution was filtered through a 2 x 10-6 m(2 micron) filter to give an aqueous solution of the titled compound.

Example 10 In situ formuiation of the N-methvl-glucamine salt of the gadolina m complex of 5e (MS-325) (200 mM. 5 mL) Gadolinium oxide (Gd203) (0.181 g, 0.5 mmol) , compound (5(a) (95% by weight, 0.820 g, 1.05 mmol) and N-methyl-glucamine (NMG) (0.68 g, 3.5 mmol) were wPl CT}lACi in ,3 _test tube. Deionized water (3.5 mL) was ~..~
added and the mixture stirred at 954C for 6 hours, after which the solution was cooled to room temperature and the volume adjusted to 5.0 mL with deionized water.
The solution was filtered through a 2 x 10-6 m (2 micron) filter to give an aqueous solution of the titled compound.

Example 11 In situ forr,ulati^^ of the N-methyl-glucamine salt of the qadolinium co=lex of 5f (MS-328) (200 mM, 5 mL) Gadolinium oxide (Gd203) (0.181 g, 0.5 mmol) , compound (50 (97% by weight, 0.850 g, 1.05 mmol) and N-methyl-glucamine (NMG) (0.62 g, 3.2 mmol) were weighed in Ei test tube. Deionized water (3.5 mL) was added and the mixture stirred at 952C for 6 hours, after which the solution was cooled to room temperature and the volume adjusted to 5.0 mL with deionized water.
The solution was filtered through a 2 x 10-6 m (2 micron) filter to give an aqueous solution of the titled compound.

>r:;tVIEN~~D ""HEET
IpIEA[EP

Examiple 12 PreDaration of the N-methyl-gl ucami ne salt of the gadolinium complex of 5b (MS-317) Gadolinium oxide (Gd203) (0.50 g, 1.38 mmol) , compound (5b) (87% by weight, 1.87 g, 2.5 mmol) and N-methyl-glucamine (NMG) (1.53 g, 7.8 mmol) were weighed in a test tube. Deionized water (8 mL) was added then the mixture was stirred at 95 C for 6 hours, after which the solution was cooled to room temperature and lo the volume adjusted to 9.0 mL with deionized water.
The solution was loaded on_a 10-g Sep-Pakm column and eluted with water. Solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the solid, white, glassy residue was dried in high vacuo for 48 hours. Yield: 3.50 g (2.48 mmol, 99%). Anal. Calcd. for (NMGH') 3[Gd (5e5') (H20]
(COH91GdN6O30P) : C, 40.08; H, 6.51; N, 5.97; Gd, 11.16.
Found: C, 40.24; H, 6.69; N, 5.88; Gd, 10.11.

Example 13 PreAaration of the N-methyl-g1Lcamine salt of the gadoli ni um omA7 ex of 5d (MS-323) Gadolinium chloride hexahydrate (GdC13 0 6HZ0) (2.11 g, 5.68 m:mol), compound 5d (74% by weight, 5.82 g, 5.98 mmol) and N-methyl-glucamine (NMG) (6.06 g, 31 mmol) were weighed in a 50-mL round bottom flask.
Deionized water (16 mL) was added then the mixture was stirred at 95 C for 4 hours, and cooled to room temperature. The solution was loaded on a C-18 column (200 g) and eluted with water-methanol 1:1 mixture.
Solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give a white, glassy solid. Yield: 8.0 g (5.41 mmol, 95%).
Anal. Calcd. for (NMGH') 3 [Gd (5d5-) (H20] (C52HIooGdN6O3oP) =

C, 42.27; H, 6.B2; N, 5.69; Gd, 10.64. Found: C, 42.04;
H, 7.03; N, 5.83; Gd, 9.55.

Examr)le 14 The following contrast agent has a binding to HSA of over 95%.

O-P--O

~2 O2C~ ~02 N N
02C `-COZ
Gd3+

It is shown to have an AUC-conc. (for 0 to 10 minutes) 100% or more greater than that of the following 2o analogue:

coZ
N N
02C-\ ,--CO2-OZC_/ rd3,+ ---COz

Claims (41)

CLAIMS:

1. A gadolinium complex selected from a compound having the formula:

wherein R comprises: an aliphatic group and/or at least 1 aryl ring; or a substituted or unsubstituted peptide optionally containing hydrophobic amino acid residues; and wherein R comprises: an aliphatic group and/or at least 1 aryl ring; or a substituted or unsubstituted peptide optionally containing hydrophobic amino acid residues.

2. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

3. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

4. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

5. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

6. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

7. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

8. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

9. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

10. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

wherein R comprises: an aliphatic group and/or at least 1 aryl ring; or a substituted or unsubstituted peptide optionally containing hydrophobic amino acid residues.

11. The gadolinium complex as claimed in claim 1 having the formula:

wherein R comprises: an aliphatic group and/or at least 1 aryl ring; or a substituted or unsubstituted peptide optionally containing hydrophobic amino acid residues.

12. The gadolinium complex of claim 10 or 11, wherein R is a peptide which comprises hydrophobic termination groups.

13. The gadolinium complex of claim 10 or 11, wherein R is a peptide which comprises hydrophilic termination groups.

14. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a gadolinium complex according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The pharmaceutically acceptable salt of claim 14, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of calcium, sodium, N-methyl glucamine, and mixtures thereof.

16. A chelating ligand having the structure:

17. A chelating ligand having the structure:

18. A chelating ligand having the structure:

19. A chelating ligand having the structure:

20. A chelating ligand having the structure:

21. A chelating ligand having the structure:

22. A chelating ligand having the structure:

23. A chelating ligand having the structure:

24. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a chelating ligand according to any one of claims 16 to 23.

25. The pharmaceutically acceptable salt of claim 24, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of calcium, sodium, N-methyl glucamine, and mixtures thereof.

26. Use as a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging of a gadolinium complex according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 14 or 15.

27. A diagnostic imaging method comprising administering to a subject a gadolinium complex according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 14 or 15.

28. A composition comprising a gadolinium complex according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 14 or 15, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

29. A commercial package comprising a gadolinium complex according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 14 or 15, together with instructions for use for diagnostic imaging in a subject.

30. A compound having the formula:

31. A compound having the formula:

32. A compound having the formula:

33. A compound having the formula:

34. A compound having the formula:

35. A compound having the formula:

wherein PPBM is a plasma protein binding moiety comprising at least seven carbon atoms, and n can be equal to 1-4.

36. A compound having the formula:
wherein PPBM is a plasma protein binding moiety comprising at least seven carbon atoms, and n can be equal to 1-4.

37. A compound having the formula:

wherein n can be equal to 1-4.

38. A compound having the formula:
wherein n can be equal to 1-4.

-

39. A compound having the formula:

wherein n can be equal to 1-4.

40. A compound having the formula:

wherein n can be equal to 1-4.

41. A compound having the formula:

wherein n can be equal to 1-4.