Methyl aminolevulinate

Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is a drug used as a sensitizer in photodynamic therapy. It is a prodrug that is metabolized to protoporphyrin IX. It is marketed as Metvix.

Methyl aminolevulinate

Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com	Multum Consumer Information
ATC code	L01XD03 (WHO)
Identifiers
IUPAC name Methyl 5-amino-4-oxopentanoate
CAS Number	33320-16-0 Y
PubChem CID	157922
DrugBank	DB00992 Y
ChemSpider	13180320 Y
UNII	585NM85KYM
ChEMBL	ChEMBL1096562 N
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID3048570
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C6H11NO3
Molar mass	145.158 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
SMILES O=C(CC(N)C(=O)OC)C
InChI InChI=1S/C6H11NO3/c1-4(8)3-5(7)6(9)10-2/h5H,3,7H2,1-2H3 Y Key:FLQHIIVXMKXKFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y
NY (what is this?)  (verify)

Metvix cream is applied topically and some time later the skin is illuminated with a proprietary red light (630 nm) source (medical lamp 'Aktilite') to activate the photosensitiser.

Metvix is developed by Photocure and Galderma has bought all rights to Metvix.^[1]

Approvals and indications

Interim result of phototherapy for actinic keratosis with Metvix one week after exposure. Patient has light skin and blue eyes.

Methyl aminolevulinate is approved in New Zealand for treatment of basal cell carcinoma.^[2]

It is now approved in many countries and has been used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma).^[3]

It has some advantages over Levulan.^[4]

It has been reported as controversial in some quarters, with severe pain allegedly being experienced by some patients. ^[5]