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Metvix and conventional PDT
Metvix is a photosensitizing agent that accumulates in abnormal skin cells and, when activated by light in photodynamic therapy (PDT), generates reactive oxygen species to destroy lesions.
Metvix is a photosensitizing agent that accumulates in abnormal skin cells and, when activated by light in photodynamic therapy (PDT), generates reactive oxygen species to destroy lesions. Used for Actinic keratosis, Basal cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | Metvix and conventional PDT |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Galderma R&D |
| Drug class | Photosensitizing agent |
| Target | Protoporphyrin IX (via aminolevulinic acid pathway) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology / Dermatology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Metvix (methyl aminolevulinate) is a prodrug that penetrates into dysplastic and malignant skin cells where it is converted to protoporphyrin IX, a photosensitizer. Upon illumination with red light at 630 nm, protoporphyrin IX generates singlet oxygen and free radicals that cause selective destruction of the target tissue. This combination of topical photosensitizer and light activation is known as photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Approved indications
- Actinic keratosis
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Bowen's disease
Common side effects
- Phototoxic reaction / erythema
- Burning or stinging at treatment site
- Edema
- Crusting or scaling
- Photosensitivity
Key clinical trials
- Photodynamic Therapy Associated With Sonodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma (PHASE3)
- Actinic Keratoses Treatment With Metvix® in Combination With Light (PHASE3)
- Efficacy And Safety Of Illumination Dose Reduction In Red Light Photodynamic Therapy For Actinic Keratoses (NA)
- New Treatments for Actinic Keratoses of the Scalp (NA)
- Phase 3b Study of Metvix NDL-PDT Versus Metvix c-PDT in Subjects With Actinic Keratoses (PHASE3)
- Intra-individual Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Metvix® Natural Daylight Photodynamic Therapy Versus Conventional Metvix® Photodynamic Therapy in Subject With Mild Actinic Keratoses (PHASE3)
- Evaluation of Non-inferiority and Tolerability of the Device PHOS-ISTOS (NA)
- Efficacy of Topical Calcipotriol-assisted AFL-PDT in Actinic Keratosis (PHASE1)
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:
- Metvix and conventional PDT CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Metvix and conventional PDT updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Galderma R&D portfolio CI