Motexafin lutetium (MLu) is a second-generation photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called metallotexaphyrins. Also called lutetium texaphyrin. Motexafin lutetium is a... Motexafin lutetium is a pentadentate aromatic metallotexaphyrin with photosensitizing properties.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Motexafin lutetium has the potential to combine the features of selective localization, ability to be activated by deeply penetrating far-red light, low incidence of skin photosensitization and water solubility. The product is in clinical development as a treatment for several types of solid tumors (as Lutrin), age-related macular degeneration (as Optrin), atherosclerosis and prevention of restenosis (as Antrin). Motexafin lutetium preferentially accumulates in tumor cells due to their increased rates of metabolism and absorbs light, forming an extended high energy conformational state that produces high quantum yields of singlet oxygen, resulting in local cytotoxic effects.
- Primary indication
- Investigated for use/treatment in brain cancer, breast cancer, cervical dysplasia/cancer, prostate cancer, cancer/tumors (unspecified), coronary artery disease, macular degeneration, and peripheral vascular disease.Curator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C52H72LuN5O14 · 1166.136 g/mol (avg)
Resolves to
ZCISRIHHEXSWIR-WRIGXHCHSA-LSMILES[Lu+3].CC([O-])=O.CC([O-])=O.CCC1=C2[N-]C(\C=C3/N=C(/C=N/C4=CC(OCCOCCOCCOC)=C(OCCOCCOCCOC)C=C4\N=C\C4=N\C(=C/2)\C(CCCO)=C4C)C(C)=C3CCCO)=C1CCWhat you can answer from here — as of August 30, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Motexafin lutetium, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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