Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Visudyne (VERTEPORFIN)

Visudyne selectively binds to neovascular tissue, which is then activated by light to induce a phototoxic reaction.

Visudyne (Verteporfin) is a photoenhancer used to treat various eye conditions. It is a small molecule drug that works by selectively binding to neovascular tissue, which is then activated by light to induce a phototoxic reaction that destroys the abnormal blood vessels. Visudyne is approved for the treatment of choroidal retinal neovascularization, exudative age-related macular degeneration, ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, and pathologic myopia. The drug is currently owned by Bausch Lomb Ireland and is off-patent, but there are no generic manufacturers. Key safety considerations include potential photosensitivity reactions.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Mechanism of Action. Visudyne(R) (verteporfin for injection) therapy is two-stage process requiring administration of both verteporfin for injection and nonthermal red light.Verteporfin is transported in the plasma primarily by lipoproteins. Once verteporfin is activated by light in the presence of oxygen, highly reactive, short-lived singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen radicals are generated. Light activation of verteporfin results in local damage to neovascular endothelium, resulting in vessel occlusion. Damaged endothelium is known to release procoagulant and vasoactive factors through the lipo-oxygenase (leukotriene) and cyclo-oxygenase (eicosanoids such as thromboxane) pathways, resulting in platelet aggregation, fibrin clot formation and vasoconstriction. Verteporfin appears to somewhat preferentially accumulate in neovasculature, including choroidal neovasculature. However, animal models indicate that the drug is also present in the retina. Therefore, there may be collateral dama

Approved indications

• Choroidal retinal neovascularization
• Exudative age-related macular degeneration
• Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome
• Pathologic Myopia

Common side effects

• Retinal detachment (nonrhegmatogenous)
• Retinal or choroidal vessel nonperfusion
• Retinal pigment epithelial tear
• Chest pain
• Musculoskeletal pain

Key clinical trials

• SCARFREE-001: Verteporfin for Scar Prevention (PHASE2)
• Photoradiation With Verteporfin to Facilitate Immunologic Activity of Pembrolizumab in Unresectable, Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer (PHASE2)
• Photodynamic Therapy of Primary Localized Prostate Cancer With the SpectraCure P18 System (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Ranibizumab and Reduced Fluence PDT for AMD (PHASE2)
• Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy Following Palliative Radiotherapy in Treating Patients With Inoperable Malignant Central Airway Obstruction (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Comparing Intravitreal Aflibercept Monotherapy vs Aflibercept Combined With Reduced Fluence PDT in PCV Treatment (NA)
• Ultrasound-Guided Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Unresectable Solid Pancreatic Tumors or Advanced Pancreatic Cancer, VERTPAC-02 Study (PHASE2)
• Effect of YAP1-inhibition in Surgical Wounds. (PHASE1,PHASE2)

Primary sources

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