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