Aminolevulinic Acid 78 mg/g Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Gel

Available Strengths: 78 mg/g

Reference Brands: Levulan Kerastick (USA), Ameluz(USA)

Category: Derma Drugs

Aminolevulinic acid is used in photodynamic therapy for treating actinic keratosis and certain superficial skin lesions. It becomes active when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, helping destroy abnormal cells. It is applied topically and used in combination with light-based activation in clinical settings.

Product Description:

Aminolevulinic acid is not itself a drug that kills abnormal cells — it is a precursor. Applied to skin, it is taken up preferentially by rapidly dividing cells, which convert it through the haem synthesis pathway into protoporphyrin IX, a photosensitiser. When the treated area is then illuminated with red or blue light of the right wavelength, the accumulated protoporphyrin IX generates reactive oxygen species that destroy the cells that concentrated it, largely sparing normal skin.

It is used in photodynamic therapy for actinic keratoses, the sun-damaged pre-cancerous lesions found on the face and scalp, and in some markets for superficial basal cell carcinoma and field cancerisation. Treatment involves preparing the lesion surface, applying the gel, an incubation period, and then controlled illumination. The treatment itself is painful — burning and stinging during illumination is expected and is the main limit on tolerability — followed by redness, crusting and swelling for some days. Strict sun avoidance is required for around two days after application.

Sourcing notes. The gel and the solution-applicator presentations are different products with different incubation times and light sources, and cannot be substituted for one another. This is a clinic product, sold with a light source, so demand is tied to dermatology practice equipment rather than pharmacy.