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Description: Verteporfin, otherwise known as benzoporphyrin derivative (trade name Visudyne®), is a medication used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy to eliminate the abnormal blood vessels in the eye associated with conditions such as the wet form of macular degeneration. Verteporfin accumulates in these abnormal blood vessels and, when stimulated by nonthermal red light with a wavelength of 693 nm in the presence of oxygen, produces highly reactive short-lived singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen radicals, resulting in local damage to the endothelium and blockage of the vessels.
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved; Investigational
Pharmacology: Verteporfin, otherwise known as benzoporphyrin derivative, is a medication used in conjunction with laser treatment to eliminate the abnormal blood vessels in the eye associated with conditions such as the wet form of macular degeneration. Verteporfin accumulates in these abnormal blood vessels and, when stimulated by nonthermal red light with a wavelength of 693 nm in the presence of oxygen, produces highly reactive short-lived singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen radicals, resulting in local damage to the endothelium and blockage of the vessels.
Mechanism of Action: Verteporfin is transported in the plasma primarily by lipoproteins. Once verteporfin is activated by light in the presence of oxygen, highly reactive, short-lived singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen radicals are generated. Light activation of verteporfin results in local damage to neovascular endothelium, resulting in vessel occlusion. Damaged endothelium is known to release procoagulant and vasoactive factors through the lipo-oxygenase (leukotriene) and cyclo-oxygenase (eicosanoids such as thromboxane) pathways, resulting in platelet aggregation, fibrin clot formation and vasoconstriction. Verteporfin appears to somewhat preferentially accumulate in neovasculature, including choroidal neovasculature. However, animal models indicate that the drug is also present in the retina.
Indication: For the treatment of patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration, pathologic myopia or presumed ocular histoplasmosis.
Half Life: Following intravenous infusion, verteporfin exhibits a bi-exponential elimination with a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 5-6 hours. Mild hepatic insufficiency increases half-life by approximately 20%.
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Data Correlations | 1 study

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Genes category icon Genes
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IGF2R 100 100
FN1 98 98
MT1F 94 94
MT1M 91 91
LAMP2 90 90
CPD 90 90
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Biogroups category icon Biogroups
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MHC class I, alpha chain, C-termina… 100 100
Ricin B-related lectin 99 99
Ricin B lectin 98 98
O-Glycan Biosynthesis 97 97
Glycan Structures Biosynthesis 1 96 96
Globoside Metabolism 96 96
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Individual Studies

  • Broad Connectivity Map (CMAP 2.0) compound database

    Homo sapiens Homo sapiens | RNA Expression   RNA Expression

    A reference collection of genome-wide transcriptional expression data from cultured human cells treated with bioactive small molecules that enable the discovery of functional connections between drugs, genes and diseases through the transitory feature of common gene-expression changes.

    Authors: Lamb J

    Organization: Broad Institute Seven Cambridge Center C…
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Associated Researchers

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Thought leaders and organizations working on research involving Visudyne.

View All Author iconAuthors
  • Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
  • Brian C Wilson
  • Neil M Bressler
  • Stefan Sacu
  • Mamta Khurana
View All Clinical trial sponsors icon Clinical Trials Sponsors
  • Novartis
  • Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital
  • QLT Inc
  • Genentech
  • Barnes Retina Institute
View All Affiliations icon Organizations
  • University of Toronto
  • Medical University of Vienna
  • Cole Eye Institute
  • Hokkaido University
  • PharmaLogic Development Inc

Clinical Trials | 96 trials

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