Chemistry:Methyl aminolevulinate
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| AHFS/Drugs.com | Multum Consumer Information |
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| Formula | C6H11NO3 |
| Molar mass | 145.158 g·mol−1 |
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Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is a drug used as a sensitizer in photodynamic therapy. It is a prodrug that is metabolized to protoporphyrin IX. It is marketed as Metvix.
Metvix cream is applied topically and some time later the skin is illuminated with a proprietary red light (630 nm) source (medical lamp 'Aktilite') to activate the photosensitiser.
Metvix is developed by Photocure and Galderma has bought all rights to Metvix.[1]
Approvals and indications
Methyl aminolevulinate is approved in New Zealand for treatment of basal cell carcinoma.[2]
It is now approved in many countries and has been used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma).[3]
It has some advantages over Levulan.[4]
It has been reported as controversial in some quarters, with severe pain allegedly being experienced by some patients. [5]
References
- ↑ "Photocure Divests Metvix to Galderma for EUR 51 Million". http://photocure.com/NEWS/newcontainer/Photocure-divests-Metvix-to-Galderma-for-EUR-51-million/.
- ↑ "Methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL PDT)". DermNet NZ. 2003. http://dermnetnz.org/procedures/metvix-pdt.html.
- ↑ "New 5 Year Metvix-PDT Data Demonstrate Long-Term Efficacy & Reliability For NM Skin Cancer Treatment". EurekAlert!. 2006. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-01/shi-n5y013106.php.
- ↑ "Porphyrin and nonporphyrin photosensitizers in oncology: preclinical and clinical advances in photodynamic therapy". Photochemistry and Photobiology 85 (5): 1053–74. 2009. doi:10.1111/j.1751-1097.2009.00585.x. PMID 19682322.
- ↑ "Concerns raised over ALA skin cancer cream as patients recount 'horrendous' pain". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 16 November 2013. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-16/concerns-raised-over-side-effects-of-skin-cancer-cream/5096496.
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