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5-Methoxypsoralen
5-Methoxypsoralen is a photoactive compound that intercalates into DNA and forms covalent crosslinks upon UVA exposure, inducing apoptosis in abnormal cells.
5-Methoxypsoralen is a photoactive compound that intercalates into DNA and forms covalent crosslinks upon UVA exposure, inducing apoptosis in abnormal cells. Used for Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides), Psoriasis, Vitiligo.
At a glance
| Generic name | 5-Methoxypsoralen |
|---|---|
| Also known as | 5-MOP, Geralen |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna |
| Drug class | Furocoumarin photosensitizer |
| Target | DNA (intercalating agent) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology; Dermatology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
5-Methoxypsoralen (bergapten) is a naturally occurring furocoumarin that acts as a photosensitizing agent. When activated by long-wave ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, it binds to DNA and creates interstrand crosslinks, leading to cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death. This mechanism is exploited therapeutically in photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy) for treating cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and other dermatological conditions.
Approved indications
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides)
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
Common side effects
- Phototoxicity (erythema, blistering)
- Pruritus
- Nausea
- Increased risk of skin cancer with chronic use
Key clinical trials
- A Multi-center Trial to Evaluate Multiple Regimens in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer (PHASE3)
- A Randomized Phase 2/3 Multi-Center Study of SM-88 in Participants With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Extracorporeal Photopheresis as a Possible Therapeutic Approach to Adults With Severe and Critical COVID-19 (NA)
- Modification of Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma or Chronic Graft-versus-host Disease (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Methoxsalen and Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) for the Treatment of Pediatric Participants With Steroid Refractory Acute Graft Versus Host Disease (PHASE3)
- Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, and Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation in Treating Patients With Hematologic Cancer (PHASE1)
- Extracorporeal Photoimmune Therapy With UVADEX for the Treatment of Acute Graft Versus-Host Disease (PHASE3)
- Photochemotherapy and Graft-versus-leukemia in Acute-leukemia
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- 5-Methoxypsoralen CI brief — competitive landscape report
- 5-Methoxypsoralen updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Medical University of Vienna portfolio CI