Verteporfin
Verteporfin is a photosensitizing medication used in photodynamic therapy to treat certain eye conditions, particularly wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is administered intravenously and then activated by targeted nonthermal red light exposure in the eye. This treatment selectively destroys abnormal blood vessels that cause vision loss while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Verteporfin is a light-activated drug used to treat wet AMD and other ocular conditions through photodynamic therapy.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01LA01
- RxNorm
- 118886
- Generic
- Verteporfin
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- Visudyne
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treats wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), pathologic myopia, and ocular histoplasmosis by targeting and destroying abnormal blood vessel growth (choroidal neovascularization) in the retina.
Verteporfin is injected intravenously and binds primarily to lipoproteins in the bloodstream. When nonthermal red light (689 nm) is directed at the affected area of the eye, the drug becomes activated, generating reactive oxygen species that selectively occlude abnormal blood vessels.
This is a two-stage treatment requiring both drug infusion and light activation. Patients must avoid direct sunlight, bright indoor lights, and sunlamps for at least 48 hours after treatment due to photosensitivity. Multiple treatment sessions may be necessary, and regular ophthalmologic monitoring is essential.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy