5-aminolevulinic acid

Intermediate in heme synthesis, synthesized from glycine and succinyl-CoA, shows a pronounced phototoxic effect. Pharmacologically used in PDT photodynamic therapy.

Light dermatoses, lupus erythematosus, xeroderma pigmentosum, porphyria

Metvix®: active ingredient cream containing methyl 5-amino-4-oxopentanoate hydrochloride (200.19 mg per gram) corresponding to methyl 5-amino-4-oxopentanoate (160 mg per gram) for the treatment of mild to moderate actinic keratoses, superficial basal cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease using photodynamic therapy.

Ameluz®: active ingredient gel containing 78 mg of 5-amino -4-oxopentanoic acid (5-aminolevulinic acid, as hydrochloride) per gram of gel. Approved for the therapy of mild to moderate actinic keratoses (Grade I and II according to Olsen), as well as for field carcinogenesis and for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas by photodynamic therapy.

Alacare®: Active ingredient patch containing 8 mg 5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid per 4 cm² corresponding to 2 mg per cm², approved for the treatment of superficial actinic keratoses in the face and hairless capillitium with a diameter of up to 1.8 cm by photodynamic therapy.

Luxerm®: contains the active ingredient methyl-5-amino-4-oxopentanoate (MAL) and is approved exclusively for the treatment of superficial actinic keratoses grade I and II according to Olsen for daylight PDT.