Aminolevulinic acid HCl (ALA)

Description: 5-Aminolevulinic acid HCl (also known as ALA hydrochloride; trade name: Levulan), an FDA approved drug for treating actinic keratosis, is an intermediate in heme biosynthesis and the universal precursor of tetrapyrroles. Aminolevulinic acid is a also 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. In 1999, FDA approved this drug for for actinic keratosis.

References: Lancet Oncol, 2006. 7(5): p. 392-401.

Related CAS: 106-60-5 (free); 868074-65-1 (phosphate); 5451-09-2 (HCl)