fimaporfin

Fimaporfin is a synthetic, amphiphilic photosensitizer used in photochemical internalization (PCI) therapy. It consists of three benzenesulfonic acid isomers, including fimaporfin A (TPCS2a; tetraphenyl chlorin disulfonate), and acts as a light-activated compound that localizes to endosomal and lysosomal membranes within cells[1][3][7]. Upon exposure to specific wavelengths of light, fimaporfin generates reactive oxygen species that disrupt endosomal membranes, enabling the release of co-administered cytotoxic agents into the cytosol or nucleus. This mechanism enhances the intracellular delivery and efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs such as gemcitabine or bleomycin[6][8]. Fimaporfin has been primarily developed for use in combination with other anticancer agents for indications like cholangiocarcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The drug was developed by PCI Biotech.

Brand names

Amphinex

Other names

fimaporfin Atetraphenyl chlorin disulfonate