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aminolevulinic acid

A topically administered metabolic precursor of protoporphyrin IX. After topical administration, aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is converted to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) which is a photosensitizer. When the proper wavelength of light activates protoporphyrin IX, singlet oxygen is produced, resulting in a local cytotoxic effect.

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Synonym:	5-aminolaevulinic acid 5-aminolevulinic acid amino-levulinic acid delta aminolevulinic acid delta-aminolevulinic acid
Abbreviation:	5-ALA
Chemical structure:	5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid d-amino-levulinic acid

aminolevulinic acid

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