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Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy
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 with predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization, Pathologic myopia with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization, Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Visudyne |
| 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 photosensitizer that preferentially localizes to neovascular endothelial cells and abnormal vasculature. Upon exposure to non-thermal red light (689 nm wavelength), it undergoes photochemical activation to produce singlet oxygen and free radicals, causing selective destruction of the targeted abnormal blood vessels through thrombosis and vessel occlusion.
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
- Back pain
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 Photodynamic Therapy CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Novartis portfolio CI