padoporfin

Padoporfin (WST09) is a palladium-substituted bacteriochlorophyll derivative developed by Steba Biotech as a photosensitizing agent for vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP). It was primarily investigated for the treatment of localized prostate cancer, including patients with recurrence following external beam radiotherapy. Administered intravenously, padoporfin remains confined to the tumor vasculature. When activated by near-infrared laser light at a wavelength of 763 nm, the molecule reacts with local oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. This photochemical reaction causes immediate damage to the endothelial lining of the blood vessels supplying the tumor, leading to vascular occlusion, blood flow stasis, and subsequent ischemic necrosis of the targeted prostate tissue. While padoporfin reached Phase 2/3 clinical trials, its development was largely superseded by padeliporfin (WST11), a more water-soluble derivative that eventually received marketing authorization in Europe.

Brand names

Tookad

Other names

Palladium-bacteriopheophorbidePd-bacteriopheophorbide