Visible-light activated hypericin ointment for mycosis fungoides
Assessment of Treatment with Visible Light Activated Synthetic Hypericin ointment in Mycosis Fungoides Patients.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11000756
A topical hypericin ointment activated by safe visible light aims to treat skin lesions in people with mycosis fungoides.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11000756 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses a synthetic hypericin ointment you apply to affected skin and then expose to non-carcinogenic visible light to activate the drug and target cancerous T cells. Hypericin is taken up more by tumor cells in the skin, induces cell death, and is not absorbed systemically. Earlier Phase 1–3 trials, including a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled Phase 3, found this approach to be safe and beneficial when applied twice weekly for several weeks. The current work continues to explore this light-activated topical option to help control skin lesions and improve quality of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with early-stage mycosis fungoides/cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (stages IA, IB, or IIA) who have skin patches or plaques and can attend light-activation treatments.
Not a fit: People with advanced systemic T-cell lymphoma, very extensive skin disease requiring systemic therapy, or those unable to undergo light-based treatment are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could shrink skin lesions, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life with fewer systemic side effects than some current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous Phase 1–3 trials, including a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled Phase 3 study, reported favorable safety and efficacy for hypericin ointment.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KIM, ELLEN J — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: KIM, ELLEN J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.