silicon phthalocyanine 4

Silicon phthalocyanine 4 is a synthetic photosensitizer belonging to the class of phthalocyanines. It features a large macrocyclic ring chelated with silicon and is designed for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Upon photoexcitation, it localizes primarily in mitochondrial cytosolic membranes and generates reactive oxygen species that induce apoptosis in target cells[1][3][5]. Silicon phthalocyanine 4 was initially developed at Case Western Reserve University and has been investigated for the treatment of cutaneous neoplasms such as actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, skin cancer (including mycosis fungoides), as well as other malignancies[3][5]. Its mechanism involves light activation leading to cytotoxicity via singlet oxygen production. The drug has also shown potential antibacterial effects against resistant strains like MRSA when used with PDT[7].

Other names

silicon(IV) phthalocyanine 4SiPc 4SiPc4SiPc-4