Some components of the tumor-localizing fraction of hematoporphyrin derivative

In continuation of the effort to delineate the structure of Photofrin, a chromatographically well separated component of the tumor-localizing fraction was isolated and purified using a combination of gel filtration chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. This component, the least hydrophobic of the tumor-localizing fraction, was deemed to be dihematoporphyrin ether, based on mass spectrometric analysis and its behavior toward base hydrolysis and lithium aluminum hydride reduction. Although less potent than Photofrin, the purified component was an active photosensitizer.