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BF-200 ALA 1%

Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH · Phase 2 active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

BF-200 ALA 1% is a photosensitizer Small molecule drug developed by Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH. It is currently in Phase 2 development for Actinic keratosis, Superficial basal cell carcinoma.

BF-200 ALA 1% is a topical photosensitizer that, when activated by light, generates reactive oxygen species to induce cell death in targeted tissues.

Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) 1% is used in photodynamic therapy for conditions such as actinic keratosis. The therapy involves the use of blue light to activate the ALA, which is administered to the affected area.

Likelihood of approval
15.3% vs 15.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2031–2034
Steps remaining: Phase 3 → NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: Medium
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 2 → approval rate +15.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 2 drugs reach approval ~15.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2031–2034
EMA EU 2032–2035 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2032–2035 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2032–2036 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2032–2036 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2032–2036 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2033–2037 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2032–2036 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2032–2037 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2033–2037 +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 nameBF-200 ALA 1%
SponsorBiofrontera Bioscience GmbH
Drug classphotosensitizer
Targetprotoporphyrin IX (PpIX)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDermatology
PhasePhase 2

Mechanism of action

The active ingredient, aminolevulinic acid (ALA), is converted into protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) within cells. Upon illumination with specific wavelengths of light, PpIX becomes excited and produces reactive oxygen species, leading to photodynamic damage and cell death, particularly in rapidly dividing cells such as those found in certain skin conditions and cancers.

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 BF-200 ALA 1%

What is BF-200 ALA 1%?

BF-200 ALA 1% is a photosensitizer drug developed by Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH, indicated for Actinic keratosis, Superficial basal cell carcinoma.

How does BF-200 ALA 1% work?

BF-200 ALA 1% is a topical photosensitizer that, when activated by light, generates reactive oxygen species to induce cell death in targeted tissues.

What is BF-200 ALA 1% used for?

BF-200 ALA 1% is indicated for Actinic keratosis, Superficial basal cell carcinoma.

Who makes BF-200 ALA 1%?

BF-200 ALA 1% is developed by Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH (see full Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH pipeline at /company/biofrontera-bioscience-gmbh).

What drug class is BF-200 ALA 1% in?

BF-200 ALA 1% belongs to the photosensitizer class. See all photosensitizer drugs at /class/photosensitizer.

What development phase is BF-200 ALA 1% in?

BF-200 ALA 1% is in Phase 2.

What are the side effects of BF-200 ALA 1%?

Common side effects of BF-200 ALA 1% include Local skin reactions (e.g., erythema, edema, crusting), Pain during illumination.

What does BF-200 ALA 1% target?

BF-200 ALA 1% targets protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and is a photosensitizer.

Related

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