The present invention provides a compound of formula I;
R22N—CH2COCH2—CH2CO—OR1 (I)
wherein R1 represents (a) an optionally substituted branched C6-30
alkyl group, comprising a straight chain C4-29 alkyl group, branched
by substitution with one or more C1-6 alkyl groups, wherein said site
of substitution is at C2 or a higher C atom, (b) a non-heteroaromatic aryl substituted
alkyl group, wherein said aryl group is substituted, or (c) an alkoxy substituted
alkyl group, wherein said alkoxy group is substituted by a methoxy group or an
alkoxy group substituted with an alkoxy group, wherein in (a) and (b) said substituents
are selected from hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, amino, aryl, nitro,
oxo or fluoro groups, and said alkyl group is optionally interrupted or terminated
by one or more —O—, NR3—, —S— or PR3—
groups; R2, each of which may be the same or different, represents a
hydrogen atom or a group R1, wherein R1 represents (a) an
optionally substituted branched C5-30 alkyl group, comprising a straight
chain C4-29 alkyl group, branched by substitution with one or more C1-6
alkyl groups, wherein said site of substitution is at C2 or a higher C atom,
(b) a non-heteroaromatic aryl substituted alkyl group, wherein said aryl group
is substituted, or (c) an alkoxy substituted alkyl group, wherein said alkoxy group
is substituted by a methoxy group or an alkoxy group substituted with an alkoxy
group, wherein in (a) and (b) said substituents are selected from hydroxy, alkoxy,
acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, amino, aryl, nitro, oxo or fluoro groups, and said
alkyl group is optionally interrupted or terminated by one or more —O—,
NR3—, —S— or PR3— groups; and R3
represents a hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl group, and salts thereof for
use in photochemotherapy or diagnosis. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising said
compound, methods of diagnosis or photochemotherapy using said compound and related
compounds and compositions, and products and kits comprising said compounds are
also provided.