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8-methoxypsoralen

Medical University of Graz · Phase 3 active Small molecule

8-methoxypsoralen is a Psoralen photosensitizer Small molecule drug developed by Medical University of Graz. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides), Psoriasis, Vitiligo. Also known as: Oxsoralen®; Gerot Pharmazeutika GmbH, Vienna, Austria.

8-methoxypsoralen is a photoactive compound that intercalates into DNA and forms covalent crosslinks upon UVA exposure, triggering apoptosis in abnormal cells.

8-methoxypsoralen is a photoactive compound that intercalates into DNA and forms covalent crosslinks upon UVA exposure, triggering apoptosis in abnormal cells. Used for Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides), Psoriasis, Vitiligo.

Likelihood of approval
61.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • Oncology Phase 3 boost +3.0pp
    Oncology Phase 3 trials have higher approval rates (~61%) than the cross-industry average due to clearer endpoints and FDA oncology pathway.
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic name8-methoxypsoralen
Also known asOxsoralen®; Gerot Pharmazeutika GmbH, Vienna, Austria
SponsorMedical University of Graz
Drug classPsoralen photosensitizer
TargetDNA (non-specific intercalating agent)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology; Dermatology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) is a naturally occurring furocoumarin that belongs to the psoralen class of photosensitizing agents. When activated by long-wave ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, it intercalates into DNA and forms thymine-psoralen photoadducts, creating interstrand crosslinks that damage DNA and induce cell death. This mechanism is particularly effective against rapidly dividing cells, making it useful in treating cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and other skin disorders.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial 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:

Frequently asked questions about 8-methoxypsoralen

What is 8-methoxypsoralen?

8-methoxypsoralen is a Psoralen photosensitizer drug developed by Medical University of Graz, indicated for Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides), Psoriasis, Vitiligo.

How does 8-methoxypsoralen work?

8-methoxypsoralen is a photoactive compound that intercalates into DNA and forms covalent crosslinks upon UVA exposure, triggering apoptosis in abnormal cells.

What is 8-methoxypsoralen used for?

8-methoxypsoralen is indicated for Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides), Psoriasis, Vitiligo.

Who makes 8-methoxypsoralen?

8-methoxypsoralen is developed by Medical University of Graz (see full Medical University of Graz pipeline at /company/medical-university-of-graz).

Is 8-methoxypsoralen also known as anything else?

8-methoxypsoralen is also known as Oxsoralen®; Gerot Pharmazeutika GmbH, Vienna, Austria.

What drug class is 8-methoxypsoralen in?

8-methoxypsoralen belongs to the Psoralen photosensitizer class. See all Psoralen photosensitizer drugs at /class/psoralen-photosensitizer.

What development phase is 8-methoxypsoralen in?

8-methoxypsoralen is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of 8-methoxypsoralen?

Common side effects of 8-methoxypsoralen include Phototoxicity (erythema, blistering), Nausea, Pruritus, Increased risk of skin cancer with long-term use.

What does 8-methoxypsoralen target?

8-methoxypsoralen targets DNA (non-specific intercalating agent) and is a Psoralen photosensitizer.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing