Hematoporphyrin Explained

Hematoporphyrin (Photodyn, Sensibion) is a porphyrin prepared from hemin. It is a derivative of protoporphyrin IX, where the two vinyl groups have been hydrated (converted to alcohols). It is a deeply colored solid that is usually encountered as a solution. Its chemical structure was determined in 1900.^[1]

It is used as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy. Acetylation of hematoporphyrin followed by hydrolysis of the product of that reaction affords a mixture called hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD), which is also used in photodynamic therapy.^[2]

Hematoporphyrin has also been used as an antidepressant and antipsychotic since the 1920s.^{[3] [4]}

Notes and References

1. Luzgina VN, Filippovich EI, Evstigneeva RP . Hematoporphyrin IX . Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal . May 1977 . 11 . 5 . 613–20 . 10.1007/BF00780815 . 44554826 .
2. Kessel D . Hematoporphyrin and HPD: photophysics, photochemistry and phototherapy . Photochemistry and Photobiology . 39 . 6 . 851–9 . June 1984 . 6235529 . 10.1111/j.1751-1097.1984.tb08871.x . 20172683 . free .
3. Book: O'Neil, Maryadele J. . vanc . The Merck index: an encyclopedia of chemicals, drugs, and biologicals . Merck Research Laboratories . Rahway, NJ . 2001 . 0-911910-13-1 . registration .
4. Strecker EA, Palmer HP, Braceland FJ . Hematoporphyrin as a Therapeutic Agent in the Psychoses . American Journal of Psychiatry . 90 . 6 . 1157–1173 . 10.1176/ajp.90.6.1157 . May 1934 .