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Proflavine Hemisulfate
Proflavine hemisulfate is an acridine dye that intercalates into DNA and generates reactive oxygen species, causing direct antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects.
Proflavine hemisulfate is an acridine dye that intercalates into DNA and generates reactive oxygen species, causing direct antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects. Used for Topical antiseptic and antimicrobial agent (historical use), Investigational anticancer agent (limited clinical development).
At a glance
| Generic name | Proflavine Hemisulfate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Proflavine |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| Drug class | Acridine dye; DNA intercalating agent |
| Target | DNA (non-specific intercalation) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
As an acridine derivative, proflavine intercalates between DNA base pairs, disrupting replication and transcription. It also generates reactive oxygen species that damage cellular components. Historically used as a topical antiseptic and antimicrobial agent, it has been investigated for anticancer properties due to its ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce oxidative stress in tumor cells.
Approved indications
- Topical antiseptic and antimicrobial agent (historical use)
- Investigational anticancer agent (limited clinical development)
Common side effects
- Local irritation or sensitization (topical use)
- Phototoxicity
- Systemic toxicity (if absorbed)
Key clinical trials
- Effectiveness and Performance of an Optical Biopsy Technology for Esophageal Cancer in Brazil and the United States (PHASE2)
- Precision Optical Guidance for Oral Biopsy (NA)
- Wide-Field and High Resolution In Vivo Imaging in Visualizing Lesions in Patients With Oral Neoplasia Undergoing Surgery (NA)
- Evaluation of Two Non-Invasive Methods, High-Resolution Microendoscopy and Liquid-Based Cytology, for Detection of Oral Precancer (NA)
- Multimodal Imaging for Surveillance in Patients With Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (EARLY_PHASE1)
- The Effectiveness of High Resolution Microendoscopy for People Living With HIV (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Low-Cost Imaging for Cervical Cancer Prevention in the Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Use of High-Resolution Microendoscopy (HRME) in Patients With Adenocarcinoma In-Situ (AIS) of the Cervix (NA)
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:
- Proflavine Hemisulfate CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Proflavine Hemisulfate updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center portfolio CI