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verteporfin PDT
verteporfin PDT is a Photosensitizing agent Small molecule drug developed by QLT Inc.. It is currently FDA-approved for Age-related macular degeneration with predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization, Pathologic myopia with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization, Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Also known as: Visudyne, vPDT.
Verteporfin is a photosensitizing agent that accumulates in abnormal blood vessels and is activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species that destroy those vessels.
Verteporfin is a small molecule DNA inhibitor used in photodynamic therapy for conditions such as choroidal neovascularization, macular degeneration, and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. It is administered as part of a treatment regimen for these conditions, often in combination with other interventions like bevacizumab or ranibizumab.
At a glance
| Generic name | verteporfin PDT |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Visudyne, vPDT |
| Sponsor | QLT Inc. |
| 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 benzoporphyrin derivative that preferentially localizes to neovascular endothelial cells. When exposed to non-thermal red light (689 nm wavelength) in photodynamic therapy (PDT), it generates singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species that cause selective destruction of abnormal choroidal neovascularization and the endothelial cells lining these vessels, leading to vessel occlusion and regression.
Approved indications
- Age-related macular degeneration with predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization
- Pathologic myopia with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization
- Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Common side effects
- Photosensitivity reactions
- Vision decrease or blurred vision
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Subretinal fibrosis
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- Photodynamic Therapy Combined With Bevacizumab vs Bevacizumab Alone for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (PHASE2)
- Clinical Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of the SpectraCure P18 System (PHASE1, PHASE2)
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 PDT CI brief — competitive landscape report
- verteporfin PDT updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- QLT Inc. portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about verteporfin PDT
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Related
- Drug class: All Photosensitizing agent drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Lipoprotein receptors on neovascular endothelial cells
- Manufacturer: QLT Inc. — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Ophthalmology
- Indication: Drugs for Age-related macular degeneration with predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization
- Indication: Drugs for Pathologic myopia with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization
- Indication: Drugs for Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
- Also known as: Visudyne, vPDT
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing