Inventors:
Igal Madar - Baltimore MD, US
Hayden T. Ravert - Bel Air MD, US
Robert Francis Dannals - Sparks MD, US
Ursula A. Scheffel - Baltimore MD, US
James J. Frost - Baltimore MD, US
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore MD
International Classification:
A61K 51/00, A61M 36/14
US Classification:
424 189, 424 111, 424 165, 424 181, 424 185
Abstract:
The invention provides lipophilic salts, particularly, lipophilic salts comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable anion and at least one phosphonium or ammonium cation. In certain embodiments, the cation is labeled with one or more radioisotopes. The lipophilic salts of the invention exhibit an affinity for dysfunctional mitochondria, and are useful for the imaging of cardiovascular diseases and disorders. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the lipophilic salts.