Verteporfin
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| Trade names | Visudyne |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a607060 |
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| Routes of administration | Intravenous |
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| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C41H42N4O8 |
| Molar mass | 718.807 g·mol−1 |
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Verteporfin (trade name Visudyne), a benzoporphyrin derivative, is a medication used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy to eliminate the abnormal blood vessels in the eye associated with conditions such as the wet form of macular degeneration. Verteporfin accumulates in these abnormal blood vessels and, when stimulated by nonthermal red light with a wavelength of 689 nm[1] in the presence of oxygen, produces highly reactive short-lived singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen radicals, resulting in local damage to the endothelium and blockage of the vessels.[2][3]
Verteporfin is also used off-label for the treatment of central serous retinopathy.[4]
Administration
Verteporfin is usually injected into the largest arm vein at a dose of 6 mg/m2 and light-activated.[5] This can be repeated 4 times per year.[5] Verteporfin is given intravenously, 15 minutes before laser treatment.[2]
Contraindications
Side effects
Most common side effects are blurred vision, headache, and local effects at the injection site. Also, photosensitivity; it is strictly advised to avoid exposure to sunlight and unscreened lighting until 48 hours after verteporfin administration.[2]
Interactions
Verteporfin is known to interact with the herbal remedy feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), the latter of which seems to act as an antagonist to verteporfin for unknown reasons. Taking the two substances simultaneously is inadvisable.[6]
Verteporfin does not appear to be metabolized by Cytochrome P450 enzymes, therefore not affecting Cytochrome P450 metabolism of other drugs.[7]
Potential against scarring
Verteporfin is an inhibitor of fibrosis in patients with persistent cholestasis.[8] Verteporfin prevents fibrosis in several human organs.[8] In 2018 information revealed verteporfin stopped fibrosis in the lung.[8] Verteporfin is a marketed drug with a good safety profile. Verteporfin has also been used off-label.[4]
In 2021, scientists tested verteporfin to reveal if the drug would prevent scar tissue in skin.[9] Testing of verteporfin on humans cleft lips will occur in 2021.[10]
References
- ^ "Visudyne package insert" (PDF).
- ^ a b c d Verteporfin Monograph
- ^ Scott LJ, Goa KL (February 2000). "Verteporfin". Drugs & Aging. 16 (2): 139–46, discussion 147-8. doi:10.2165/00002512-200016020-00005. PMID 10755329.
- ^ a b Karim SP, Adelman RA (2013). "Profile of verteporfin and its potential for the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy". Clinical Ophthalmology. 7: 1867–75. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S32177. PMC 3788817. PMID 24092965.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ a b Mohede, Daan C.J. (28 September 2018), "Verteporfin as a Medical Treatment in Peyronie's Disease", Sex Med
- ^ "Feverfew and Verteporfin Interactions". Drugs.com. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
- ^ "Visudyne (verteporfin for injection) prescribing information" (PDF). FDA. FDA. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- ^ a b c Clark, Richard A. F. (29 July 2021), "To Scar or Not to Scar", N Engl J Med, doi:10.1056/NEJMcibr2107204
- ^ Molteni, Megan, In mouse experiments, scientists unlock the key to scar-free skin healing, STAT News, April 22, 2021
- ^ Kolata, Gina (22 April 2021). "Imagine, Surgery Without a Scar". nytimes,com. nytimes,com. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
External links
- "Visudyne". Novartis.