Temoporfin
Temoporfin (mTHPC, Foscan) is a second-generation photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, where it accumulates preferentially in tumor tissue and, upon activation by 652 nm laser light, generates cytotoxic singlet oxygen and free radicals that destroy tumor cells. It is significantly more potent than first-generation porphyrin photosensitizers, requiring lower doses of drug and light. Its primary limitation is prolonged photosensitivity requiring extended sun avoidance after administration.
Molecular Weight
680.7000 g/mol
LogP
8.80
TPSA
138.00 Ų
Lipinski RO5
Fail
Therapeutic Areas
Mechanism of Action
Accumulates in target tissues and generates reactive oxygen species upon activation by specific wavelengths of light, causing localized cellular damage and destruction of pathological tissue.
Pharmacokinetics (PK)
Pharmacodynamics (PD)
Accumulates in target tissues and generates reactive oxygen species upon activation by specific wavelengths of light, causing localized cellular damage and destruction of pathological tissue.
2D Structure
Cite this structure
Embed this structure
SMILES
Oc1cccc(-c2c3nc(c(-c4cccc(O)c4)c4ccc([nH]4)c(-c4cccc(O)c4)c4nc(c(-c5cccc(O)c5)c5ccc2[nH]5)CC4)C=C3)c1
InChI
InChI=1S/C44H32N4O4/c49-29-9-1-5-25(21-29)41-33-13-15-35(45-33)42(26-6-2-10-30(50)22-26)37-17-19-39(47-37)44(28-8-4-12-32(52)24-28)40-20-18-38(48-40)43(36-16-14-34(41)46-36)27-7-3-11-31(51)23-27/h1-17,19,21-24,46-47,49-52H,18,20H2/b41-33-,41-34-,42-35-,42-37-,43-36-,43-38-,44-39-,44-40-
Molecular Formula
C44H32N4O4
HBD / HBA
6 / 6
Rotatable Bonds
4
Heavy Atoms
52
No targets recorded
Target interaction data is not yet available for this drug.
No interactions recorded
Drug interaction data is not yet available for this compound.
No side effects recorded
Side effect data is not yet available for this drug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Temoporfin (mTHPC, Foscan) is a second-generation photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, where it accumulates preferentially in tumor tissue and, upon activation by 652 nm laser light, generates cytotoxic singlet oxygen and free radicals that destroy tumor cells. It is significantly more potent than first-generation porphyrin photosensitizers, requiring lower doses of drug and light. Its primary limitation is prolonged photosensitivity requiring extended sun avoidance after administration.
Accumulates in target tissues and generates reactive oxygen species upon activation by specific wavelengths of light, causing localized cellular damage and destruction of pathological tissue.
Yes, Temoporfin is an approved drug. It has reached clinical phase 4. It is classified as a Small molecule.
References & Data Sources
- ChEMBL — European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). CHEMBL500576. Open-access bioactivity database.
- PubChem — National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). CID 60751. Chemical information database.
Data aggregated from publicly available pharmacological databases. Last updated 2026-03-28.
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