Visudyne

Drug Overview

Visudyne (verteporfin; Valeant/Novartis) is a benzoporphyrin derivative photosensitizer developed for

use in photodynamic therapy. In photodynamic therapy, Visudyne is injected intravenously into the

patient, shortly after which the drug localizes selectively in the neovasculature. Subsequently, a non-
thermal laser is used to activate the drug in the targeted areas. This results in the generation of

oxygen free radicals, which damage the vessel endothelium and lead to vascular occlusion (Zuluaga et

al., 2007). Photodynamic therapy is indicated for use in wet AMD patients with predominantly classic

subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (Visudyne prescribing information, 2013); however, the

introduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors has reduced its role in treatment.