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Verteporfin for injection
Verteporfin is a photosensitizing agent that accumulates in abnormal blood vessels and, when activated by light, generates reactive oxygen species to destroy those vessels.
Verteporfin is a photosensitizing agent that accumulates in abnormal blood vessels and, when activated by light, generates reactive oxygen species to destroy those vessels. Used for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization, Pathologic myopia with choroidal neovascularization, Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Verteporfin for injection |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Novartis |
| Drug class | Photosensitizing agent |
| Target | Lipoprotein receptors on neovascular endothelial cells |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Ophthalmology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Verteporfin is a lipophilic porphyrin derivative that preferentially localizes to neovascular endothelial cells and abnormal vasculature. Upon intravenous administration followed by exposure to non-thermal red light (689 nm wavelength), verteporfin undergoes photochemical activation to produce singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species, leading to selective destruction of the targeted abnormal blood vessels through thrombosis and vessel occlusion.
Approved indications
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization
- Pathologic myopia with choroidal neovascularization
- Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Common side effects
- Photosensitivity reaction
- Vision decrease or blurred vision
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Back pain
Key clinical trials
- SCARFREE-001: Verteporfin for Scar Prevention (PHASE2)
- Photodynamic Therapy of Primary Localized Prostate Cancer With the SpectraCure P18 System (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Ranibizumab and Reduced Fluence PDT for AMD (PHASE2)
- Comparing Intravitreal Aflibercept Monotherapy vs Aflibercept Combined With Reduced Fluence PDT in PCV Treatment (NA)
- Clinical Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of the SpectraCure P18 System (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) - Directed PDT Triple Therapy (PHASE4)
- Aflibercept in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (PHASE4)
- Treatment of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy in Pachychoroid (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:
- Verteporfin for injection CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Verteporfin for injection updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Novartis portfolio CI