Name: Dersimelagon (MT-7117) in Erythropoietic protoporphyria or X-linked protoporphyria: Oral antioxidants and other systemic agents
Published: 2026-09-21T21:42:40-04:00

Product information and disease description Place of product in therapy Approaches to treatment Current treatment options and standard of care

Oral antioxidants and other systemic agents

2 evidence topics · 5 sources

Agents that guidelines do not recommend

“Due to insufficient data related to efficacy, the following therapies are not recommended for the prevention of phototoxic symptoms: beta-carotene, cysteine, cimetidine, isoniazid, warfarin, quinacrine, oral zinc, N-acetylcysteine, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, oral adenosine monophosphate, canthaxanthine, terfenadine, inosine, dithiothreitol (DTT) and glycerol, pyridoxine, and hydroxyethylrutosides ( Table 2” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“Although several previous studies have investigated beta carotene in EPP, the evidence shows unclear or no benefit” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

“There is an extensive and complete review on previous drugs such as beta‐carotene and cimetidine;” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“however, none of these have any significant effect on protoporphyrias.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Continued use despite the absence of supporting evidence

“Following diagnosis, most patients were advised to prevent phototoxic reactions by avoidance of sun exposure and use of sunscreen; 40% were prescribed beta-carotene despite insufficient data regarding its efficacy. Further, despite studies showing that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide little symptom relief, a third of the sample received recommendations for these drugs for EPP or XLP.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

“Most patients used protective clothing and a sunscreen; 28% were taking beta-carotene and a further 56% had taken it; 29% were not under regular medical care.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)