5-METHOXYPSORALEN (BERGAPTEN) IN PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY OF PSORIASIS

5‐Methoxypsoralen (5‐MOP, Bergapten) was evaluated as a potential photosensitizing drug in oral photochemotherapy of psoriasis. Treatment results indicate that (1) 5‐MOP is as effective as, and in high doses more effective than, 8‐methoxypsoralen in clearing psoriatic lesions; (2) therapeutic doses of 5‐MOP do not lead to erythema; the acute side‐effects of 8‐MOP PUVA therapy—erythema, blistering, pruritus—are thus avoided; (3) even high doses of 5‐MOP are not followed by nausea. 5‐MOP PUVA therapy thus represents a real alternative to 8‐MOP PUVA, its advantages over 8‐MOP PUVA being greater safety and patient acceptance. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved