Therapy, treatment, and process for photodynamic inactivation of COVID-19

Abstract

A therapy, treatment and process for inactivating and/or killing COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) is provided, including a low-dose, full body, Ultraviolet A1 (UV-A1, 360-400 nm) photon therapy, wherein the UV-A1 photon therapy activates singlet oxygen (.sup.1O.sub.2), which inactivates and/or kills COVID-19. UV-A1 therapy of the present invention can also be used to help alleviate symptoms and secondary illnesses caused by COVID-19. UV-A1 therapy of the present invention can also be used to help alleviate and treat pre-existing conditions of people that are also suffering from COVID-19 and worsened by COVID-19.

Claims

1. A systemic phototherapy treatment and process for a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprising the following steps: using an irradiator to systemically treat the COVID-19 by externally subjecting at least a substantial portion of a patient's body to a band of solar UV-A1 light having wavelengths of 340 to 400 nm at 6-15 J/cm.sup.2/day for 20 to 30 minutes in 3 to 4 days per week for 3 to 4 weeks.

2. The phototherapy treatment of claim 1 wherein the UV-A1 light has a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm at 8-10 J/cm.sup.2/day for 20 to 30 minutes for 3 to 4 days per week for 3 to 4 weeks and a patient's full body, excepting eyes and personal areas that are covered, is subjected to UV-A1 light.

3. The phototherapy treatment of claim 1 wherein the UV-A1 light has a wavelength of 340 to 400 nm at 6-10 J/cm.sup.2/day, and is emitted for 20 to 30 minutes, for 3 to 4 days, for 2 to 4 weeks.

4. The phototherapy treatment of claim 1 wherein the UV-A1 light has a wavelength of 340 to 400 nm at 7-15 J/cm.sup.2/day, emitted over a period of 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 days a week, for 2 to 4 weeks.

5. The phototherapy treatment of claim 1 wherein the irradiator includes a bench and canopy.

6. The phototherapy treatment of claim 1 wherein the irradiator is adapted to allow a patient to stand within the irradiator.

7. The phototherapy treatment of claim 1 wherein the irradiator includes light bulbs that emit light having a wavelength of 340 to 400 nm, and the light bulbs are covered in a filter that blocks emission of harmful light.

8. The phototherapy treatment of claim 7, wherein the harmful light includes ultraviolet A2 (320-339 nm) and ultraviolet-B (280-320 nm).

9. The phototherapy treatment of claim 7 wherein the light bulbs are covered in a filter that blocks emission of UV-A2 light and UV-B light and UV-C light.

10. The phototherapy treatment of claim 7 wherein the filter allows emission of visible light such as blue light.

11. A method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprising the steps of: (a) externally subjecting at least a substantial part of skin of the patient to a band of solar UV-A1 light having wavelengths between 340 to 400 nm at 8-10 J/cm.sup.2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times; (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons; wherein the band of solar UV-A1 light is absorbed as far as a sub dermis, along the way reaching infiltrating macrophages and cells circulating in dermal and subdermal capillaries where the UV-A1 light triggers production of singlet Oxygen, which activates a gene for heme oxygenase, which releases from heme carbon monoxide, biliverdin and bilirubin to target the COVID-19 and reduce inflammatory responses caused by the COVID-19.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the time interval is between 20 and 30 minutes and the multiple selected times is for 3 to 4 days per week for 3 to 4 weeks.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the UV-A1 light has a wavelength of 340 to 400 nm, and is emitted for 10-40 minutes, for 3 to 4 days, for 3 to 4 weeks.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the UV-A1 light has a wavelength of 340 to 400 nm, and is emitted for 10 to 45 minutes, for 2 to 4 days, for 2 to 4 weeks.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the irradiator lamp includes light bulbs that emit light having a wavelength of 340 to 400 nm, and the light bulbs are filtered with a filter that blocks emission of UV-A2 light, UV-B light, and UV-C light.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein the UV-A1 light has a wavelength of 340-400 nm at 6-15 J/cm.sup.2/day, and is emitted for 10 to 45 minutes, for 1 to 5 days, for 1 to 5 weeks.

17. A systemic phototherapy treatment and process for alleviating one or more symptoms or side effects or secondary illnesses caused by Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) including post COVID-19 conditions, for a patient who is suffering from COVID-19 or recovered from COVID-19, includes the following steps: using an irradiator to treat the symptoms or secondary illnesses by subjecting at least a substantial portion of skin of the patient to a band of solar UV-A1 light having a plurality of wavelengths between 340 to 400 nm at 6-15 J/cm.sup.2/day for 10 to 45 minutes for 1 to 5 days per week for 1 to 5 weeks or 1 to 3 months, wherein the band of solar UV-A1 light is absorbed as far as a sub dermis, along the way reaching infiltrating macrophages and cells circulating in dermal and subdermal capillaries where the UV-A1 light triggers production of singlet oxygen, which activates a gene for heme oxygenase, which produces carbon monoxide to target the COVID-19 and/or reduce inflammatory responses caused by the COVID-19 and other inflammatory conditions.

18. The phototherapy treatment and process of claim 17 wherein the symptom or secondary illness or pre-existing condition is acute respiratory distress syndrome, inflammation of lungs, cytokine storm syndrome, blood clots, hypercoagulation, thrombosis, or a metabolic syndrome.

19. The phototherapy treatment and process of claim 17 wherein the process can be used to help maintain a healthy pregnancy of the patient while or after suffering from COVID-19.

20. The phototherapy treatment and process of claim 17 wherein the symptom or secondary illness or pre-existing condition is a neurologic disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, short-term memory, Guillain Barre syndrome, neuroinflammation, or vestibular neuritis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a chart that illustrates UV-A1 light as part of the ultraviolet spectrum;

(3) FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates UV-A1 photon penetration in human skin wherein it easily penetrates the epidermis and upper dermis to reach the sub dermis where it reaches the vasculature with its circulating cells and also reaches infiltrating cells such as tissue macrophages;

(4) FIG. 3 is a chart that illustrates the electromagnetic light spectrum including ultraviolet light and visible light;

(5) FIG. 4 is a chart that illustrates the electromagnetic light spectrum;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an irradiator that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the therapy, treatment and process of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another irradiator that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the therapy, treatment and process of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another irradiator that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the therapy, treatment and process of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is a partial view of a lamp/light that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the therapy, treatment and process of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a filter that can be included on a lamp/light in one or more preferred embodiments of the therapy, treatment and process of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 10 is a partial cut-away view of lamp/light with a filter that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the therapy, treatment and process of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating spectral curves of SUNUVA-PINK and QT2730-1 filters;

(13) FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating spectral curves of a QT2730-1 filter; and

(14) FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating spectral power distribution of filtered SUNUVA-PINK UV-A fluorescent lamp TL/10 compared to a plexiglass filter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(15) As shown in FIG. 1, 3-4 ultraviolet (UV) radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, encompassing wavelengths between X-rays (0.01 to 10 nm) and visible light (390 to 700 nm), the UV divided into ultraviolet A (UV-A; 320-400 nm) and ultraviolet B (UV-B; 280-320 nm). The UV-A band is further subdivided into ultraviolet-A2 (UV-A2; 320-340 nm) having properties close to those of UV-B, and ultraviolet-A1 (UV-A1; 340-400 nm) with properties more closely related to those of visible light.

(16) UV-B wavelengths (depicted by triangle 25 in FIG. 2), damaging to the skin, cause sunburn. They are absorbed by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and therefore penetrate little further than the epidermis 21 of human skin 20. UV-C wavelengths (depicted by triangle 26 in FIG. 2) also penetrate only the epidermis 21. UV-A1 wavelengths (depicted by triangle 24 in FIG. 2), on the other hand, the longest, most abundant, lowest in energy, and deepest penetrating of all the UV wavelengths reach photoreceptors in the dermis 22, such as those on infiltrating dermal macrophages, and reach the subdermal vasculature with its circulating cells, giving the sub dermis a wide systemic reach for the UV-A1 photons. The subcutis 23 is also depicted in FIG. 2.

(17) UV-A1 photons are the only known exogenously delivered activators of singlet oxygen (.sup.1O.sub.2), an electronically excited form of molecular oxygen and primary mediator of UV-A1 photon action. UV-A1 wavelengths were isolated in 1981 with the use of Mutzhas-pink filters (Radiation apparatus: patent number 4,298,005 Nov. 3, 1981). In 1986 using TL/10R Philips lamps (Philips International, Eindoven, The Netherlands), covered by the Mutzhas-pink filters, pure UV-A1 photons were emitted for use in the treatment of patients with SLE.

(18) The UV wavelengths make up the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between X-rays (0.01 to 10 nm) and visible (390 to 700 nm) light (FIG. 1). They are conventionally divided into ultraviolet A, (UV-A; 320-400 nm), ultraviolet B (UV-B 280-320 nm) and ultraviolet C (UVC; 200-280 nm). The UV-A band is further subdivided into UV-A2 (320-340 nm) having properties close to those of UV-B (280-320 nm) and UV-A1 (340-400 nm) the longest band of UV wavelengths, whose properties are close to those of visible light. 340 nm is generally considered part of the UV-A2 and UV-A1 wavelength range; 340 nm is considered part of the UV-A1 spectrum in one or more embodiments of the treatment and process described and/or claimed herein.

(19) UV-A1 photons penetrate the skin in a wavelength dependent manner, the longest wavelengths penetrating most deeply. During exposure to broad spectrum UV, approximately 100 times more UVA than UVB photons reach the dermis. UV-A1 wavelengths comprise 75% of the UVA band. The isolated UV-A1 wavelengths emitted by a UV-A1 lamp of the present invention reach deeply, into and beyond the dermis, giving them the widest systemic reach of all the UV wavelengths. They are absorbed as far as the sub dermis, along the way reaching infiltrating macrophages and cells circulating in the dermal and subdermal capillaries. UV-B wavelengths by contrast are absorbed by DNA epidermal keratinocyte DNA only 10% reaching the dermis. UV-B is dermal whereas UV-A1 acts systemically.

(20) The UV-A1 photon energy absorbed by photosensitizers within cells, is transferred to oxygen, raising this diatomic molecule to its electronically excited state, .sup.1O.sub.2. .sup.1O.sub.2 has physical properties that distinguish it from the more prevalent triplet ground state oxygen. As a highly reactive ROS, .sup.1O.sub.2 readily oxidizes a variety of biological molecules and becomes a primary mediator of UV-A1 photon action.

(21) .sup.1O.sub.2, an electrophile, activates Nrf2, a governor of anti-oxidant forces, to act through HO-1 to reverse cell injury. HO-1 peaks during anticipated injury, such as with the ischemic reactivity that comes with heart surgery, or following hyperoxygenation after high level oxygen therapy. The supplemental HO-1 generated by UV-A1 exposures can be released in anticipation of an injury which the body's own HO-1 system cannot do, as it activates only after an injury.

(22) UV-A1 irradiation is dermal but has systemic effect because its photons increase HO-1 expression in the dermis and sub-dermis for as long as three days. This affords time for the added burst of HO-1 and its products to act, both locally and in distant tissues. It also means that the HO-1 actions can be maintained by continued UV-A1 exposures, e.g., 2-4 times a week to extend their remedial action. The HO-1 gene can also be transferred by adenovirus vector, a far more complicated and risky approach. Administration of any of the HO-1 products individually, such as CO through CO inhalation or the implantation of a CO-releasing molecule (CO-RM), can increase the effectiveness of the particular effect, as desired. However, these too are risky, invasive, exacting, and expensive techniques. Inhaled CO, for example, sometimes requires hospitalization, cumbersome gas cylinder transport and storage and a need for protection against non-patient exposure. Full-body, low dose, UV-A1 photon irradiation is safe, convenient, comfortable and physiologic as a means of activating HO-1 systemically, availing patients of all the downstream products of HO-1, i.e., CO, BV, and BR.

(23) In one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, a low-dose of UV-A1 irradiation can be 6 to 8 J/cm.sup.2. Other doses can also be used, e.g., 8 J to 15 J/cm.sup.2.

(24) In one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, a low-dose or a dose of UV-A1 is selected for administering to a patient that will cause no more than a light tan to the skin of the patient.

(25) In one or more preferred embodiments of a phototherapy treatment and process for a patient suffering from a Corona virus, e.g., COVID-19, includes the following steps:

(26) using an irradiator to treat COVID-19 by subjecting a patient's full body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at (8-10 J/cm.sup.2/day) for about 20 to 30 minutes for about 3 to 4 days per week for about 3 to 4 weeks or more as may be needed.

(27) In one or more preferred embodiments of a phototherapy treatment and process for a patient suffering from a Corona virus, e.g., COVID-19, includes the following steps:

(28) using an irradiator to treat COVID-19 by subjecting a patient's full body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at (8-10 J/cm.sup.2/day) for about 20 to 30 minutes for about 2 to 3 days per week for about 3 to 4 weeks or more as may be needed.

(29) In one or more preferred embodiments of a phototherapy treatment and process for a patient suffering from a Corona virus, e.g., COVID-19, includes the following steps:

(30) using an irradiator to treat COVID-19 by subjecting a patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at (8-10 J/cm.sup.2/day) for about 20 to 30 minutes for about 3 to 4 days per week for about 3 to 4 weeks or more as may be needed.

(31) In one or more preferred embodiments of a phototherapy treatment and process for a patient suffering from a Corona virus, e.g., COVID-19, includes the following steps:

(32) using an irradiator to treat COVID-19 by subjecting a patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at 8-10 J/cm.sup.2/day for about 20 to 30 minutes for about 2 to 3 days per week for about 3 to 4 weeks or more as may be needed.

(33) In one or more preferred embodiments of a phototherapy treatment and process for a patient suffering from a Corona virus, e.g., COVID-19, includes the following steps:

(34) using an irradiator to treat COVID-19 by subjecting a patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at 6-15 J/cm.sup.2/day for about 20 to 30 minutes for about 2 to 4 days per week for about 3 to 4 weeks or more as may be needed.

(35) In other embodiments, 340 to 350 nm can also potentially be used but may cause some sunburn and may have fewer of the beneficial .sup.1O.sub.2 effects as this range is closer to the UV-B range.

(36) In one or more preferred embodiments, the same or similar UV-A1 treatment process used to treat COVID-19 as shown and/or described herein can also be used to treat other Corona viruses, other viruses, secondary illnesses or conditions or side effects caused by COVID-19 or another virus, and/or some pre-existing conditions or illnesses of patient's who have a virus, some examples of which are discussed further herein.

(37) A 360 to 400 nm dose at 8-10 J/cm.sup.2/day is well below the sunburn level. Most patients may experience no more than a light tan, especially if they are lightly pigmented. Active disease during the 3 to 4 days and 3 to 4 weeks, or desired treatment time, can be measured by viral and antibody levels. The UV-A1 irradiation will trigger the production of singlet oxygen, an anti-viral. Singlet oxygen additionally in turn, activates the gene for heme oxygenase (HO-1), an enzyme that produces carbon monoxide, which inhibits respiratory viruses.

(38) A Philips lamp covered by the Mutzhas filters is able to emit 360-400 nm of UV-A1 and can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.

(39) In other preferred embodiments, different lamps and/or filters can be used in the treatment of COVID-19 or other corona viruses or other viruses that are capable of transmitting 340 to 400 nm light. Preferably a filter is used with a lamp of the present invention when it is desired or necessary to filter out wavelengths that can potentially be, or are, harmful to a person, e.g., wavelengths of the UVB and UVA-2, range, while allowing wavelengths of the UVA-A1 range to be transmitted.

(40) FIGS. 5-7 illustrate examples of irradiators 10, 11, 13 that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of a phototherapy of the present invention, e.g., a sunbed available from Phillips or AliSun or SunFire manufacturers. Irradiator 10 as shown in FIG. 5 is a bench and canopy type. As seen in FIG. 5, a patient 18 can lie within irradiator 10 and be exposed to full body UV-A1 light. Irradiator 11 is of the type adapted to allow a person 18 to stand within the irradiator 11 and be exposed to full body UV-A1 light, which can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of an irradiator 13 in a which a patient's body can also be exposed to UV-A1 light in one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other irradiator sun beds and standing chambers available on the market can also be used in the present invention that includes a lamps, and preferably a filter, that is capable of transmitting 340 to 400 nm light.

(41) Each irradiator can include UV-A1 light bulbs 12, e.g., Philips TL/10R UV-A1 sunlamps (Philips company, Eindhoven, the Netherlands). Preferably the UV-A1 light bulbs 12 include a filter 14 that allows UV-A1 light having wavelengths of 340 to 400 nm to be emitted, while at least substantially filtering out other light, including, e.g., higher energy solar wavelengths of ultraviolet A2 (UV-A2, 320 to 339 nm) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280-320 nm). An example of a filter 14 that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments is Mutzhas UVASUN filters Mutzhas filters (Mutzhas Company, Munich Germany) which preferably cover light bulbs 12. A Polycast™ QT 2730-1 filter can also be a filter 14. This Philips TL/10R UV-A1 sunlamps lamp/Mutzhas UVASUN filter duo allows emission of UV-A1 photons, excluding all others. This maximizes the generation in cells of UV-A1-induced singlet oxygen and in combination with the cell's own intrinsic production of singlet oxygen, delivers .sup.1O.sub.2 at levels greater than by any other known means. Other UV-A1 light bulbs or sun lamps and filters that allow for UV-A1 light emission while excluding other desired light that are currently available on the market, or to be developed in the future, can also be used in the present invention.

(42) FIG. 8 is a partial view of a light bulb/lamp 12 that can be used in an irradiator of one or more embodiments of the present invention. Light bulb/lamp 12 can have a socket 16 at each end with pins 17, for example, that can connect to a power source. Other type designs of a light bulb or socket can also be used if desired. FIG. 9 depicts a filter 14 that can be wrapped around light bulb 12, as shown in the partial cutaway view of FIG. 10.

(43) FIGS. 11-13 are charts illustrating the spectral curve of light of different filtering materials, e.g., UVASUN-Pink filter, QT2730-1 Polycast™ filter, and Plexiglas™.

(44) In one or more embodiments, a filter 14 included for the light bulbs 12 can allow emission of UV-A1 light and visible light.

(45) In one or more embodiments, a filter included for the light bulbs 12 can allow emission of UV-A1 light.

(46) In one or more preferred embodiments, each irradiator 10, 11, 13 can be tuned to emit UV-A1 light at a specified wavelength, e.g., 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, or 420 nanometers, for a specified duration of time.

(47) In one or more preferred embodiments, each irradiator 10, 11, 13 can be tuned to emit UV-A1 light at a desired specified range of wavelengths that is selected between 340 and 420 nm.

(48) Regarding duration and timing of treatments and therapy, in one or more preferred embodiments, a patient can have at least two treatments a week for longer sessions, e.g., using 6-15 J/cm.sup.2/day per session for two sessions per week for 30 to 40 minutes.

(49) Regarding duration and timing of treatments and therapy, in one or more preferred embodiments, a patient can have at least two treatments a week for longer sessions, e.g., using 7-15 J/cm.sup.2/day per session for two sessions per week for 30 to 40 minutes

(50) A patient also possibly could have one treatment per week, but the greater the number of treatments per week the more singlet oxygen that will be produced for more killing power towards COVID-19 or other corona viruses.

(51) In one or more embodiments, treatments can be 2 to 4 times a week for 3 to 5 weeks, wherein the amount of treatments per patient and duration of the treatments can be determined based on a patient's antiviral levels as the treatments progress. For example, if a patient no longer tests positive for COVID-19, or another corona virus after one or two weeks of treatments, the treatment course can end.

(52) In one or more embodiments, treatments can be 1 to 5 times a week for 1 to 5 weeks, wherein the amount of treatments per patient and duration of the treatments can be determined based on a patient's antiviral levels as the treatments progress. For example, if a patient no longer tests positive for COVID-19, or another corona virus after one or two weeks of treatments, the treatment course can end.

(53) Treatments possibly can be daily during a week of treatment, but generally this is not necessary giving the duration of the systematic effect created by the UV-A1 treatment. Some testing has shown that there appears to be no added effect in exposing patient's to UV-A treatment more than 3 days per week.

(54) Preferably a single therapy session is of long enough duration to produce sufficient levels of singlet oxygen to help inactive and/or kill COVID-19 or other corona viruses but is not too long so as to cause a sun burn on a patient's skin.

(55) In one or more embodiments, a single therapy session can last up to 45 minutes, wherein the longer the session the more potential for suntan to occur.

(56) In one or more embodiments, a single therapy session can last up to 40 to 45 minutes.

(57) In one or more embodiments, a single therapy session can last 10 to 20 minutes.

(58) In one or more embodiments, more than one therapy session can be between 10 to 45 minutes, for example.

(59) In one or more embodiments, more than one therapy session can potentially be provided for a patient in a single day, with each therapy session between 10 to 20 minutes, for example.

(60) In one or more preferred embodiments, more than one therapy session can potentially be provided for a patient in a single day, with each therapy session between 10 to 45 minutes, for example.

(61) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(62) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at 8-10 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(63) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(64) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(65) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at 6-15 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(66) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(67) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(68) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at 7-10 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(69) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(70) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(71) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at 8-15 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(72) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(73) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(74) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 360 to 400 nm at 6-15 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(75) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(76) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(77) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 340 to 400 nm at 8-10 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(78) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(79) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(80) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 340 to 400 nm at 6-15 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(81) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(82) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(83) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 340 to 400 nm at 7-10 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(84) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(85) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(86) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 340 to 400 nm at 8-15 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(87) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(88) In one preferred embodiment, a method of treating a patient suffering from Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), comprises the steps of:

(89) (a) subjecting the patient's body to UV-A1 light having a wavelength between 340 to 400 nm at 6-15 J/cm2/day for a selected time interval and at multiple selected times;

(90) (b) wherein step (a) includes emitting radiation from an irradiator lamp with a filter that allows emission of UV-A1 photons while at least substantially excluding other photons.

(91) In a preferred embodiment a patient will not be on photosensitizing medication or using lotions or topical skin treatments that could cause a rash or adverse reaction under the UV-A1 light.

(92) The therapy and treatment processes as disclosed herein can also be used to kill other viruses or bacteria that can be inactivated or killed by UV-A1 light.

(93) In various preferred embodiments, a therapy relies on the UV-A1 irradiation production of singlet oxygen within a patient's body. The treatment apparatus, including a light filer, e.g., a Mutzhas™ filter atop a Philips™ UV-A1 lamp, emits a UV-A1 radiation more pure than exists anywhere known in the universe. As UV-A1 photons penetrate the skin deeply enough to reach the vasculature, (the blood), its effects, unlike those of all other UV wavelengths that are essentially only skin-deep, reach the entire body, through the blood so its effects can therefore be considered systemic rather than local.

(94) Moreover, by eliminating the other UV wavelengths, UVC, UVB and UV-A2, the therapy eliminates the established inhibitory and dilutional effects of these other UV wavelengths on UV-A1 so the UV-A1 photons delivered to patients through the lamp/filter engine are delivered more pure and unobstructed than by any other means. As this UV-A1 engine generates enough singlet oxygen in vivo to reverse lupus activity, it is capable of also delivering enough singlet oxygen to kill Corona viruses in vivo, including COVID-19, as it does in vitro.

(95) The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention:

(96) TABLE-US-00002 PARTS LIST: PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION 10 irradiator 11 irradiator 12 light bulb/lamp 13 irradiator 14 filter 16 socket 17 pin 18 patient/person 20 skin 21 epidermis 22 dermis/sub-dermis 23 subcutis 24 UV-A light 25 UV-B light 26 UV-C light

(97) All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

(98) The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.