5-aminolevulinic acid

5-aminolevulinic acid is an endogenous, non-proteinogenic amino acid and heme-biosynthesis precursor used as a prodrug for photodynamic therapy and fluorescence-guided surgery. Following topical or systemic administration, cells metabolize it to **protoporphyrin IX**, which preferentially accumulates in many neoplastic or dysplastic tissues. Violet-blue light can be used to visualize red protoporphyrin IX fluorescence for surgical guidance, while illumination at an appropriate therapeutic wavelength generates reactive oxygen species and produces phototoxic tissue injury. Pharmaceutical products containing aminolevulinic acid or its hydrochloride salt are approved for actinic keratosis photodynamic therapy and for visualization of malignant tissue during glioma surgery; further clinical development includes fluorescence-guided breast-conserving surgery. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e45cc371-9ebc-4904-12bc-65cb4e2817ad))

Brand names

AmeluzGleolanGliolanLevulan Kerastick

Other names

aminolevulinic acid5-ALAdelta-aminolevulinic acidδ-aminolevulinic acid5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid5-aminolevulinate