Aminolevulinic Acid

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A topically administered metabolic precursor of protoporphyrin IX. After topical administration, aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is converted to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) which is a photosensitizer. When the proper wavelength of light activates protoporphyrin IX, singlet oxygen is produced, resulting in a local cytotoxic effect. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - 5-ALA - 5-Amino-4-oxopentanoic Acid - 5-Aminolaevulinic Acid - 5-Aminolevulinic Acid - AMINOLEVULINIC ACID - Amino-Levulinic Acid - Delta Aminolevulinic Acid - Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid - aminolevulinic acid - d-Amino-Levulinic Acid