The molecule is a hydrochloride that is the monohydrochloride of 5-aminolevulinic acid. It is metabolised to protoporphyrin IX, a photoactive compound which accumulates in the skin. Used in combination with blue light illumination for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratosis of the face or scalp. It has a role as an antineoplastic agent, a photosensitizing agent, a dermatologic drug and a prodrug. It contains a 5-ammoniolevulinic acid.
5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid;hydrochloride