norepinephrine (ProCertus BioPharm)

Norepinephrine (as norepinephrine hydrochloride) is a topical small molecule formulation developed by ProCertus BioPharm for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis (radiodermatitis) and chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-induced alopecia. Formulated at a concentration of 82.3 mg/mL in 70% ethanol, the drug acts as a potent alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist. When applied topically to the skin or scalp prior to treatment, it induces localized vasoconstriction in the subdermal vasculature. This creates a transient state of hypoxia and reduces blood flow to the area, thereby limiting the exposure of hair follicles and skin cells to ionizing radiation or systemic chemotherapy. The product is being developed under the name DermX for radiodermatitis and ProDermaCel for alopecia prevention.

Brand names

DermXProDermaCel

Other names

norepinephrine hydrochloridetopical norepinephrine