photogem

Photogem is a first-generation photosensitizing agent belonging to the hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) class, developed by the Lomonosov Moscow State Academy of Fine Chemical Technology (MITHT) in Russia. It is a complex mixture of porphyrins, including hematoporphyrin, hydroxyethylvinyl deuteroporphyrin, and protoporphyrin, which exhibit selective retention in malignant and rapidly proliferating tissues. When activated by light of a specific wavelength (typically 630 nm), Photogem facilitates the transfer of energy to molecular oxygen, producing highly reactive singlet oxygen and other free radicals. This process results in localized oxidative damage to cellular components, induction of apoptosis, and disruption of the tumor microvasculature. Photogem is clinically approved in Russia for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of various malignancies, including cervical, skin, esophageal, and gastric cancers, as well as for the treatment of pre-cancerous conditions like cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Brand names

Photogem

Other names

HpDhematoporphyrin derivative