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| Formula | C20H19N7O5 |
| Molar mass | 437.416 g·mol−1 |
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Phototrexate is a photochromic antifolate drug developed at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology). In particular, it is a photopharmacological agent [1] [2] that behaves as light-regulated inhibitor of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzyme. [3] [4] Phototrexate is a photoisomerizable structural analogue of the chemotherapy agent methotrexate. It is also an example of "azologization". [5] Pharmacological effects of phototrexate can be switched on and off by UVA and visible light, respectively. Phototrexate is almost inactive in its trans configuration while it behaves as a potent antifolate in its cis configuration. It can also spontaneously self-deactivate in the dark.