5-Aminolevulinic Acid (hydrochloride)

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a precursor in the biosynthesis of porphyrins, including heme. The conversion of 5-ALA to protoporphyrins within tissues produces a photosensitive target that produces reactive oxygen species upon exposure to light.{25469} In this way, it is used in photodynamic therapy for a range of dermatological conditions, cancers, and other diseases.{25469,25472,25468} Also, oral administration of 5-ALA leads to the preferential accumulation of the fluorescent molecule protoporphyrin IX within certain types of cancer cells.{25470,25471} This allows fluorescence-based identification of tumor tissue for accurate resection of diseased tissue.{25470,25471}