Temoporfin

Identification

Summary

Temoporfin is a photosensitizer used to treat squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Generic Name
Temoporfin
DrugBank Accession Number
DB11630
Background

Temoporfin is a photosensitizing agent used in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck Label. It was first authorized for market by the European Medicines Agency in October 2001. It is currently available under the brand name Foscan.

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Approved, Investigational
Structure
Weight
Average: 680.764
Monoisotopic: 680.242355526
Chemical Formula
C44H32N4O4
Synonyms
  • 2,3-dihydro-5,10,15,20-tetra(m-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin
  • m-THPC
  • meso-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin
  • Temoporfin
External IDs
  • EF-9
  • EF9

Pharmacology

Indication

For use in the treatment of patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck failing standard therapies and who are unsuitable for radiotherapy, surgery, or systemic chemotherapy Label.

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Associated Conditions
Indication TypeIndicationCombined Product DetailsApproval LevelAge GroupPatient CharacteristicsDose Form
Symptomatic treatment ofAdvanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma••••••••••••
Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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Pharmacodynamics

Temoporfin is a photosensitizing agent Label. It enters cancer cells and is activated via light to produce reactive species which destroy the cell.

Mechanism of action

Temoporfin is excited from ground state to the first excited singlet state by the application of 652 nm light 4,2. It is then thought to undergo intersystem crossing to an excited triplet state which is longer lived and able to interact with surrounding molecules 2. It is then thought to produce cytotoxic species by either a Type I or Type II reaction typical of agents used in photodynamic therapy. Type I involves either hydrogen abstraction of electron transfer from the excited photosensitizer to a substrate molecule to produce free radicals or radical ions. Type II reactions involve a similar reaction with oxygen as the substrate to produce reactive oxygen species. These reactive products cause oxidative damage to the cancer cell resulting in cell death.

There is evidence that photodynamic therapy with Temoporfin activates macrophages and increases phagocytosis 3. These activated macrophages also produce more tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO). It is thought that this increase in macrophage activity contributes to the efficacy of therapy through phagocytosis of cancer cells and increased cell death signalling though TNF-α. The increase in NO production likely contributes to oxidative damage through reactive nitrogen species.

Absorption

Tmax is 2-4 h after intravenous administration Label. Plasma concentration initially decreases rapidly then slowly rises to reach peak serum concentration 4.

Volume of distribution

The volume of distribution is 0.34-0.46 L/kg 4. Temoporfin is known to distribute into the tissues and preferentially collects in tumour tissue.

Protein binding

Temoporfin is 85-88% bound to plasma proteins Label,4. Temoporfin initially binds and aggregates to an unknown high density protein 1. This makes up about 70% of the bound drug immediately after administration. The remainder is bound to plasma lipoproteins with 22% bound to high density lipoprotein (HDL), 4% bound to low density lipoprotein (LDL), and 4% bound to very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Within 24 hours after administration, Temoporfin undergoes redistribution to lipoproteins with about 73% bound to HDL, 8% bound to LDL, and 3% bound to VLDL. Only 17% remains bound to the unknown high density protein after redistribution.

Metabolism

The exact metabolic reactions Temoporfin undergoes are unknown. The drug metabolites have been identified as conjugates but specific information is unavailable.

Route of elimination

Data on elimination in humans is limited Label,4. Animal data indicates Temoporfin is eliminated solely by the liver with two conjugated metabolites being excreted through bile. No enterohepatic recirculation has been observed with these metabolites.

Half-life

Terminal plasma half life is 65 h Label. Elimination of Temoporfin is bi-exponential with the intial phase having a half-life of 30 h and a terminal half-life of 61-88 h 4.

Clearance

Temoporfin is cleared at a rate of 3.9-4.1 mL/h/kg 4.

Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

Mice and rats experienced swelling and darkening of exposed tissue at single dosages of >0.85 mg/kg under normal lighting 4. Systemic toxicity presented as reduced red blood cell and platelet counts and increased white blood cell counts and liver and spleen weights. Skin inflammation, pycnotic spermatocytes and increased extramedullary haematopoiesis in spleen and the lymph nodes was also observed. Under low-light conditions mild phototoxicity was observed only at high doses.

Severe phototoxicity has been seen in rats with repeated doses of up to 1 mg/kg/day under normal lighting 4. This effect is less severe under low-light conditions. Two weeks of repeated doses of 0.5-0.6 mg/kg/day resulted in inflammation of the injection site and skin in rats. At 0.3 mg/kg/day under low-light in rats, the only effect seen was an increase in white blood cell counts.

In beagle dogs recieving repeated doses of up to 3mg/kg/day under low-light conditions, reddening of the skin and injection site inflammation was seen 4. Serious injection site damage was observed.

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs Browse all" title="About SNP Mediated Effects/ADRs" id="snp-actions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions Learn More" title="About Drug Interactions" id="structured-interactions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
DrugInteraction
AmbroxolThe risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Temoporfin is combined with Ambroxol.
ArticaineThe risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Temoporfin is combined with Articaine.
BenzocaineThe risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Temoporfin is combined with Benzocaine.
Benzyl alcoholThe risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Temoporfin is combined with Benzyl alcohol.
BupivacaineThe risk or severity of methemoglobinemia can be increased when Temoporfin is combined with Bupivacaine.
Food Interactions
No interactions found.

Products

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Brand Name Prescription Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
FoscanInjection, solution1 mg/mlIntravenousBiolitec Pharma Ltd2016-09-08Not applicableEU flag
FoscanInjection, solution1 mg/mlIntravenousBiolitec Pharma Ltd2016-09-08Not applicableEU flag
FoscanInjection, solution1 mg/mlIntravenousBiolitec Pharma Ltd2016-09-08Not applicableEU flag

Categories

ATC Codes
L01XD05 — Temoporfin
Drug Categories
Classification
Not classified
Affected organisms
Not Available

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
FU21S769PF
CAS number
122341-38-2
InChI Key
LYPFDBRUNKHDGX-LWQDQPMZSA-N
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-
IUPAC Name
3-[7,12,17-tris(3-hydroxyphenyl)-21,22,23,24-tetraazapentacyclo[16.2.1.1³,⁶.1⁸,¹¹.1¹³,¹⁶]tetracosa-1,3,5,7,11(23),12,14,16,18(21),19-decaen-2-yl]phenol
SMILES
OC1=CC=CC(=C1)C-1=C2\CCC(=N2)\C(=C2/N\C(\C=C2)=C(/C2=N/C(/C=C2)=C(\C2=CC=C\-1N2)C1=CC(O)=CC=C1)C1=CC(O)=CC=C1)\C1=CC(O)=CC=C1

References

General References
  1. Hopkinson HJ, Vernon DI, Brown SB: Identification and partial characterization of an unusual distribution of the photosensitizer meta-tetrahydroxyphenyl chlorin (temoporfin) in human plasma. Photochem Photobiol. 1999 Apr;69(4):482-8. [Article]
  2. Sharman WM, Allen CM, van Lier JE: Photodynamic therapeutics: basic principles and clinical applications. Drug Discov Today. 1999 Nov;4(11):507-517. [Article]
  3. Coutier S, Bezdetnaya L, Marchal S, Melnikova V, Belitchenko I, Merlin JL, Guillemin F: Foscan (mTHPC) photosensitized macrophage activation: enhancement of phagocytosis, nitric oxide release and tumour necrosis factor-alpha-mediated cytolytic activity. Br J Cancer. 1999 Sep;81(1):37-42. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6690648. [Article]
  4. EMA: Temoporfin Scientific Discussion [Link]
KEGG Drug
D06066
KEGG Compound
C11730
ChemSpider
54754
RxNav
115243
ChEBI
9437
ChEMBL
CHEMBL500576
Wikipedia
Temoporfin
FDA label
Download (314 KB)
MSDS
Download (23.9 KB)

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Learn More" title="About Clinical Trials" id="clinical-trials-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount
2CompletedTreatmentCholangiocarcinoma / Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma / Tumor1
2TerminatedTreatmentSquamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN)1
2Unknown StatusTreatmentHead And Neck Cancer1
2Unknown StatusTreatmentNasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)1
2Unknown StatusTreatmentNon-curative Resectable Bile Duct Carcinoma1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
Not Available
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
Injection, solutionIntravenous
Injection, solutionIntravenous1 mg/ml
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Solid
Experimental Properties
Not Available
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
logP9.21Chemaxon
pKa (Strongest Acidic)9.12Chemaxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)5.6Chemaxon
Physiological Charge0Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count6Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count6Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area138.28 Å2Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count4Chemaxon
Refractivity201.34 m3·mol-1Chemaxon
Polarizability76.61 Å3Chemaxon
Number of Rings9Chemaxon
Bioavailability0Chemaxon
Rule of FiveNoChemaxon
Ghose FilterNoChemaxon
Veber's RuleNoChemaxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemaxon
Predicted ADMET Features
Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
SpectrumSpectrum TypeSplash Key
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-001i-0000009000-cc0aa63c55b01c3e3c74
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negative (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-004i-0000009000-f330d6f2a284f6fd40b8
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-001i-0000009000-9bae05df9c73c548e3a3
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negative (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-004i-0000009000-e736440cb5bbecadaa36
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0uyi-0000009000-a98cc23eaac78f344e02
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negative (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0fbi-3000009000-18d6fbc2015d42750c8d
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
AdductCCS Value (Å2)Source typeSource
[M-H]-271.1144825
predicted
DarkChem Lite v0.1.0
[M-H]-250.68147
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+H]+276.1322825
predicted
DarkChem Lite v0.1.0
[M+H]+252.57687
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+Na]+258.63416
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)

Drug created at October 17, 2016 21:26 / Updated at February 21, 2021 18:53