Methyl aminolevulinate
Encyclopedia
Methyl aminolevulinate is a prodrug
that is metabolised to Protoporphyrin IX
(sensitizer) used in photodynamic therapy
. 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.
.
It is now approved in many countries and has been used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer
(including basal cell carcinoma
).
It has some advantages over Levulan
.
Prodrug
A prodrug is a pharmacological substance administered in an inactive form. Once administered, the prodrug is metabolised in vivo into an active metabolite, a process termed bioactivation. The rationale behind the use of a prodrug is generally for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and...
that is metabolised to Protoporphyrin IX
Protoporphyrin IX
Protoporphyrin IX, in the metabolism of porphyrin, is created by the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase.-Heme b biosynthesis:In heme biosynthesis, the enzyme ferrochelatase converts it into heme b Protoporphyrin IX, in the metabolism of porphyrin, is created by the enzyme protoporphyrinogen...
(sensitizer) used in photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy is used clinically to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including malignant cancers, and is recognised as a treatment strategy which is both minimally invasive and minimally toxic...
. 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
Photocure
Photocure ASA is a Norwegian pharmaceutical company that develops and sells pharmaceuticals and medical devices based on proprietary photodynamic technology, targeting key dermatology and oncology markets...
and Galderma
Galderma
Galderma is a global leading pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and marketing of innovative medical solutions in dermatology...
has bought all rights to Metvix.
Approvals and Indications
Approved in New Zealand for treatment of basal cell carcinomaBasal cell carcinoma
Basal-cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It rarely metastasizes or kills. However, because it can cause significant destruction and disfigurement by invading surrounding tissues, it is still considered malignant. Statistically, approximately 3 out of 10 Caucasians may develop a...
.
It is now approved in many countries and has been used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer
Skin cancer
Skin neoplasms are skin growths with differing causes and varying degrees of malignancy. The three most common malignant skin cancers are basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises...
(including basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal-cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It rarely metastasizes or kills. However, because it can cause significant destruction and disfigurement by invading surrounding tissues, it is still considered malignant. Statistically, approximately 3 out of 10 Caucasians may develop a...
).
It has some advantages over Levulan
Levulan
Levulan photodynamic therapy is a treatment method for certain skin conditions developed by DUSA Pharmaceuticals. The active ingredient is δ-aminolevulinic acid .-Actinic keratosis:U.S...
.