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Metvix: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Metvix - General Information

Metvix is a prodrug that is metabolised to Protoporphyrin IX (a photosensitizer) used in photodynamic therapy.

 

Pharmacology of Metvix

After topical application of methyl aminolevulinate, porphyrins will accumulate intracellularly in the treated skin lesions. The intracellular porphyrins (including PpIX) are photoactive, fluorescing compounds and, upon light activation in the presence of oxygen, singlet oxygen is formed which causes damage to cellular compartments, in particular the mitochondria. Light activation of accumulated porphyrins leads to a photochemical reaction and thereby phototoxicity to the light-exposed target cells.

 

Metvix for patients

 

Metvix Interactions

There have been no studies of the interaction of methyl aminolevulinate cream with any other drugs, including local anesthetics. It is possible that concomitant use of other known photosensitizing agents might increase the photosensitivity reaction of actinic keratoses treated with methyl aminolevulinate cream.

 

Metvix Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients with cutaneous photosensitivity, or known allergies to porphyrins, and in patients with known sensitivities to any of the components of methyl aminolevulinate cream, which includes peanut and almond oil.

 

Additional information about Metvix

Metvix Indication: For topical use, in combination with 570 to 670 nm wavelength red light illumination, in the treatment of non-hyperkeratotic actinic keratoses of the face and scalp in immunocompetent patients when used in conjunction with lesion preparation (debridement using a sharp dermal curette). Mechanism Of Action: Photosensitization following application of methyl aminolevulinate cream occurs through the metabolic conversion of methyl aminolevulinate (prodrug) to photoactive porphyrins (PAP), which accumulates in the skin lesions to which the cream has been applied. When exposed to light of appropriate wavelength and energy, the accumulated photoactive porphyrins produce a photodynamic reaction, resulting in a cytotoxic process dependent upon the simultaneous presence of oxygen. The absorption of light results in an excited state of porphyrin molecules, and subsequent spin transfer from photoactive porphyrins to molecular oxygen generates singlet oxygen, which can further react to form superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Methyl aminolevulinate Synonyms: 5-Aminolevulinic acid methyl ester; Aminolevulinic acid methyl ester Drug Category: Antineoplastic Agents Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Methyl aminolevulinate: Metvix; Absorption: In vitro, after 24 hours the mean cumulative absorption through human skin was 0.26% of the administered dose. Toxicity (Overdose): The severity of local phototoxic reactions such as erythema, pain and burning sensation may increase in case of prolonged application time or very high light intensity. Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: Not Available Dosage Forms of Metvix: Not Available Chemical IUPAC Name: methyl 5-amino-4-oxopentanoate Chemical Formula: C6H11NO3 Methyl aminolevulinate on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_aminolevulinate Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals