Verteporfin API Manufacturers & Suppliers
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Verteporfin | CAS No: 129497-78-5 | GMP-certified suppliers
A medication that addresses vision‑threatening ocular neovascular disorders such as AMD, pathologic myopia, and ocular histoplasmosis, and is also applied in selected tumor destruction settings.
Therapeutic categories
Primary indications
- For the treatment of patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration, pathologic myopia or presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome
- Verteporfin can also be used to destroy tumors
Product Snapshot
- Verteporfin is supplied as an intravenous injectable powder for reconstitution
- It is used in photodynamic applications for choroidal neovascularization associated with AMD, pathologic myopia, ocular histoplasmosis, and for certain tumor-destruction uses
- It holds approvals in the US, Canada, and EU, with additional investigational status in some regions
Clinical Overview
The molecule is transported in plasma mainly via lipoproteins, which influences its distribution to neovascular tissue. Following intravenous administration, Verteporfin preferentially accumulates in abnormal choroidal neovasculature, though preclinical work shows presence in the retina as well. Upon activation by nonthermal red light at 693 nm in the presence of oxygen, the drug generates singlet oxygen and other short‑lived reactive oxygen species. These species induce endothelial injury, leading to vessel occlusion. Endothelial damage also triggers release of procoagulant and vasoactive mediators through lipo‑oxygenase and cyclo‑oxygenase pathways, promoting platelet aggregation, fibrin deposition, and vasoconstriction. Similar cytotoxic processes support its use in tumor‑directed photodynamic therapy.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination parameters vary with circulating lipoprotein levels, which can affect tissue exposure. Verteporfin is generally cleared through hepatic pathways, though detailed metabolic routes are not fully characterized. Systemic exposure outside the illuminated field is typically limited by the short lifetime of photogenerated reactive species.
Safety considerations center on photosensitivity, which can persist for several days after dosing and requires strict light‑avoidance measures to reduce risk of phototoxic reactions. Localized inflammation or visual disturbances may occur following ocular photodynamic treatment due to vascular closure. Off‑target phototoxicity is a primary concern in oncology applications if illumination parameters are not precisely controlled.
Visudyne is the most widely recognized brand formulation. For API procurement, sourcing should ensure conformance with established pharmacopeial or internal specifications, robust control of impurities characteristic of porphyrin derivatives, and protection from light during handling and storage to maintain photochemical stability.
Identification & chemistry
| Generic name | Verteporfin |
|---|---|
| Molecule type | Small molecule |
| CAS | 129497-78-5 |
| UNII | WU713D62N9 |
| DrugBank ID | DB00460 |
Pharmacology
| Summary | Verteporfin is a photosensitizing agent that accumulates preferentially in neovascular tissue, where it is activated by nonthermal red light to generate singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species. These reactive intermediates induce localized endothelial damage that promotes vessel occlusion through procoagulant and vasoactive pathways. The same photochemical cytotoxicity can be applied to selectively destroy certain tumor cells. |
|---|---|
| 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. As singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen radicals are cytotoxic, Verteporfin can also be used to destroy tumor cells. |
| Pharmacodynamics | 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. |
ADME / PK
| 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%. |
|---|---|
| Metabolism | Metabolized to a small extent to its diacid metabolite by liver and plasma esterases. NADPH-dependent liver enzyme systems (including the cytochrome P450 isozymes) do not appear to play a role in the metabolism of verteporfin. |
| Route of elimination | Elimination is by the fecal route, with less than 0.01% of the dose recovered in urine. |
Formulation & handling
- Reconstituted for intravenous use due to very low aqueous solubility and high lipophilicity, requiring appropriate solubilizing excipients.
- Light‑sensitive photosensitizer; protect powder and reconstituted solution from light during handling and administration.
- Lyophilized solid form supports improved stability; prepare solutions immediately before use to limit degradation.
Regulatory status
| Lifecycle | Most core patents for the API expired between 2010 and 2016 in the US and Canada, indicating that the product is well past the exclusivity period. With availability in the US, Canada, and the EU, the API is in a mature, broadly generic market phase. |
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| Markets | US, Canada, EU |
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Supply Chain
| Supply chain summary | Verteporfin is produced by a single originator manufacturer, with several specialized packagers supporting finished‑product supply across the US, Canada, and EU markets, where the branded product is well established. Patent protections in both the US and Canada have fully expired, indicating that the molecule is no longer under exclusivity. This creates conditions that allow for existing or potential generic competition depending on market entry dynamics. |
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Safety
| Toxicity | Overdose of drug and/or light in the treated eye may result in nonperfusion of normal retinal vessels with the possibility of severe decrease in vision that could be permanent. An overdose of drug will also result in the prolongation of the period during which the patient remains photosensitive to bright light. |
|---|
- Excess drug exposure or high‑intensity light activation can cause retinal vascular nonperfusion, associated with risk of severe and potentially irreversible vision loss
- Overdose prolongs photosensitization duration, necessitating controlled light‑management conditions during handling and post‑activation processes
- Light‑activated reactions should be strictly regulated, as verteporfin’s photodynamic response can generate cytotoxic effects relevant to both ocular tissues and targeted tumor destruction
Verteporfin is a type of Macular degeneration drugs
Macular degeneration drugs belong to a subcategory of pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) specifically designed to treat macular degeneration, a common eye condition that causes vision loss in the central part of the retina. These drugs are essential for managing and slowing down the progression of the disease, offering improved visual outcomes for affected individuals.
Macular degeneration drugs primarily target the underlying mechanisms responsible for the condition. The most common type of drug used for this purpose is anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. These drugs work by inhibiting the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye, which can leak fluid and cause damage to the macula.
The development of macular degeneration drugs involves rigorous research and clinical trials to ensure their safety and efficacy. These drugs are typically administered through intravitreal injections, directly into the eye, to deliver the medication precisely to the affected area.
Due to the growing prevalence of macular degeneration worldwide, pharmaceutical companies have been investing heavily in the research and development of new drugs and treatment options. The continuous advancements in technology and medical understanding have led to the introduction of novel therapies, including gene therapy and sustained-release drug delivery systems.
The availability of effective macular degeneration drugs is crucial for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. Early detection, regular eye examinations, and timely treatment with these drugs can help manage the disease, preserving visual function and preventing severe vision loss. It is essential for patients to consult with their healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate macular degeneration drug based on their specific needs and medical history.
Verteporfin (Macular degeneration drugs), classified under Ophthalmic Agents
Ophthalmic agents belong to the pharmaceutical API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) category specifically designed for ophthalmic applications. These agents are formulated to treat various eye conditions and disorders. Ophthalmic agents encompass a wide range of medications, including eye drops, ointments, gels, and intraocular implants.
These agents are developed to address specific therapeutic needs related to the eyes, such as reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma, treating inflammation and infection, relieving dryness and itching, and managing allergies. They may also be used to dilate the pupils during diagnostic procedures or surgeries.
Ophthalmic agents are formulated with precise concentrations of active ingredients to ensure efficacy and safety. Common classes of ophthalmic agents include beta-blockers, prostaglandin analogs, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.
When administering ophthalmic agents, it is crucial to follow proper application techniques to ensure optimal drug delivery and minimize side effects. Eye drops, for example, are typically applied as a gentle instillation into the conjunctival sac, while ointments are applied along the lower eyelid.
These pharmaceutical API ophthalmic agents undergo rigorous quality control and regulatory scrutiny to meet industry standards and ensure patient safety. Manufacturers must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and adhere to stringent quality assurance protocols.
Overall, ophthalmic agents play a vital role in the management and treatment of various eye conditions, providing patients with targeted relief and improving ocular health. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate ophthalmic agent for individual needs and to receive proper guidance on usage and potential side effects.
