Rostaporfin

Rostaporfin is a synthetic purpurin-based photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). It preferentially accumulates in tumor cells due to their increased metabolic activity. Upon activation by red light (wavelength 664 nm), rostaporfin enters an excited state and generates singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species that induce local cytotoxic effects and cell death. The drug is administered intravenously and binds selectively to plasma lipoproteins produced at high levels by hyperproliferating cells such as cancer cells. Rostaporfin has been investigated for the treatment of cutaneous metastatic breast cancer (including HER2-positive and HER2-negative subtypes), basal cell carcinoma nevus syndrome (BCCNS), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), arteriovenous fistula complications, metastatic lung cancer, bile duct cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer metastases, prevention of access graft disease in hemodialysis patients, benign prostatic hyperplasia, brain cancers including glioblastoma multiforme and others[1][4][5][7]. It has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for BCCNS[4].

Brand names

PurlytinPhotrex

Other names

tin ethyl etiopurpurinPhotoPoint SnET2Rostaporfin-PDT