Ameluz

ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 
 



 2 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Ameluz 78 mg/g gel 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
One gram (g) gel contains 78 mg of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (as hydrochloride).  
 
Excipients with known effect 
 
One gram gel contains 2.4 mg sodium benzoate (E211), 3 mg soybean phosphatidylcholine, and 10 mg 
propylene glycol.  
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Gel. 
 
White to yellowish gel. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Treatment of actinic keratosis of mild to moderate severity (Olsen grade 1 to 2; see section 5.1) and of 
field cancerization in adults. 
 
Treatment of superficial and/or nodular basal cell carcinoma unsuitable for surgical treatment due to 
possible treatment-related morbidity and/or poor cosmetic outcome in adults. 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Ameluz should only be administered under the supervision of a physician, a nurse or other healthcare 
professional experienced in the use of photodynamic therapy. 
 
Posology in adults 
 
For treatment of actinic keratoses (AK) of the face or scalp, one session of photodynamic therapy 
(with daylight or red-light lamp) shall be administered for single or multiple lesions or entire fields 
with cancerization (areas of skin where multiple AK lesions are surrounded by an area of actinic and 
sun-induced damage within a limited field). For treatment of actinic keratoses (AK) in the body region 
trunk, neck or extremities, one session of narrow spectrum red-light photodynamic therapy shall be 
administered. Actinic keratosis lesions or fields shall be evaluated three months after treatment. 
Treated lesions or fields that have not completely resolved after 3 months shall be retreated.  
 
For treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), two sessions of photodynamic therapy with red-light 
lamp shall be administered for one or multiple lesions with an interval of about one week between 
sessions. Basal cell carcinoma lesions shall be evaluated three months after last treatment. Treated 
lesions that have not completely resolved after 3 months shall be retreated.  
 
Paediatric population 
 
There is no relevant use of Ameluz in the paediatric population. No data are available. 



 3 

 
Method of administration 
 
Ameluz is for cutaneous use.  
 
Treatment of AK, field cancerization and BCC using a red-light lamp: 
 
a) Preparation of the lesions: Before administration of Ameluz, all lesions should be carefully wiped 

with an ethanol or isopropanol-soaked cotton pad to ensure degreasing of the skin. Scales and 
crusts should be removed accurately and all lesion surfaces roughened gently. Care should be 
taken to avoid bleeding. Nodular BCC lesions are often covered by an intact epidermal keratin 
layer which should be removed. Exposed tumour material should be removed gently without any 
attempt to excise beyond the tumour margins. 

 
b) Application of the gel: Ameluz should be applied to the lesion area or entire cancerized fields of 

about 20 cm2, using glove protected fingertips or a spatula. The gel should cover the lesions or 
entire fields and approximately 5 mm of the surrounding area with a film of about 1 mm thickness. 
The gel should be allowed to dry for approximately 10 minutes, before a light-tight dressing is 
placed over the treatment site. Following 3 hours of incubation, the dressing should be removed 
and the remnant gel wiped off. The gel can be administered to healthy skin around the lesions, 
whereas application near the eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears or mucosa should be avoided (keep a 
distance of 1 cm). Direct contact of Ameluz with the eyes or mucous membrane should be 
avoided. In case of accidental contact, rinsing with water is recommended. 
 

c) Illumination: Immediately after cleaning the lesions, the entire treatment area will be illuminated 
with a red light source, either with a narrow spectrum around 630 nm and a light dose of 
approximately 37 J/cm2 or a broader and continuous spectrum in the range between 570 and 
670 nm with a light dose between 75 and 200 J/cm2. It is important to ensure that the correct light 
dose is administered. The light dose is determined by factors such as the size of the light field, the 
distance between lamp and skin surface, and the illumination time. These factors vary with lamp 
type. The light dose delivered should be monitored if a suitable detector is available. During 
illumination the lamp should be fixed at the distance from the skin surface that is indicated in the 
user manual. A narrow spectrum lamp is recommended to achieve higher clearance rates. 
Symptomatic treatment of transient adverse site reactions may be considered. A broader and 
continuous spectrum may be used if narrow-spectrum light sources are not tolerated (see sections 
4.8 and 5.1). See also section 6.6. 
 
Note: Efficacy of Ameluz in the treatment of AK in the body regions trunk, neck and extremities 
has been demonstrated only in the scope of narrow-spectrum PDT. There are no data for these 
body regions with broader spectrum lamps PDT or with daylight PDT.  

 
Treatment of AK and field cancerization with daylight: 
 
a) Considerations before treatment: Daylight treatment should only be used if the conditions are 

suitable to stay comfortably outdoors for two hours (with temperatures > 10 °C). If the weather is 
rainy, or is likely to become so, daylight treatment should not be used. 
 

b) Preparation of the lesions: Sunscreen should be applied 15 min prior to lesion pretreatment in 
order to protect sun exposed skin. Only sunscreen with chemical filters and SPF 30 or higher 
should be used. Sunscreens with physical filters such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc. should 
not be used, as these inhibit light absorption and may therefore impact efficacy. 
Before administration of Ameluz, all lesions should be carefully wiped with an ethanol or 
isopropanol-soaked cotton pad to ensure degreasing of the skin. Scales and crusts should be 
removed carefully and all lesion surfaces roughened gently. Care should be taken to avoid 
bleeding.  
 



 4 

c) Application of the gel: A thin layer of Ameluz should be applied to the lesion area or entire 
cancerized fields using glove protected fingertips or a spatula. The gel should cover the lesions or 
entire fields and approximately 5 mm of the surrounding area. No occlusive dressing is necessary. 
The gel can be administered to healthy skin around the lesions, whereas application near the eyes, 
nostrils, mouth, ears or mucosa should be avoided (keep a distance of 1 cm). Direct contact of 
Ameluz with the eyes or mucous membrane should be avoided. In case of accidental contact, 
rinsing with water is recommended. The gel should not be wiped off during the entire daylight 
PDT.  
 

d) Illumination using daylight for AK treatment: If conditions are suitable (see section a. 
Considerations before treatment), patients shall go outside within 30 minutes after application of 
the gel and stay for 2 continuous hours in full daylight. Taking shelter in the shade in hot weather 
is acceptable. Interruption of the time outdoors should be compensated by a longer illumination 
time. Remaining gel will be removed after completion of light exposure. 

 
Lesions should be re-assessed after three months, at which point any residual lesions or fields may be 
retreated. It is recommended that the response of BCC lesions may be confirmed by histological 
examination of biopsy material, if considered necessary. Subsequently, close long-term clinical 
monitoring of BCC is recommended, with histology if necessary. 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to porphyrins, to soya or peanuts, or to any of the 

excipients listed in section 6.1.  
 
• Porphyria. 
 
• Known photodermatoses of varying pathology and frequency, e.g. metabolic disorders such as 

aminoaciduria, idiopathic or immunological disorders such as polymorphic light reaction, 
genetic disorders such as xeroderma pigmentosum, and diseases precipitated or aggravated by 
exposure to sun light such as lupus erythematosus or pemphigus erythemtosus.  

 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Risk of Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) 
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be a precipitating factor for transient global amnesia in very rare 
instances. Although the exact mechanism is not known, stress and pain associated with PDT may 
increase the risk to develop transient amnesia. If amnesia is observed, the PDT must be discontinued 
immediately (see section 4.8). 
 
Use of immunosupressants 
As inflammatory response is important for the effect of PDT, the trials investigating the efficacy and 
safety of Ameluz excluded patients who were undergoing treatment with immunosuppression therapy. 
No experience exists for the use of Ameluz in patients taking immunosuppressants.Therefore, the use 
of immunosuppressants during treatment with Ameluz is not recommended. 
 
Ameluz should not be used on bleeding lesions 
Any bleeding must be stopped before application of the gel. No experience exists for the use of 
Ameluz in patients with inherited or acquired coagulation defects. Special care should be taken to 
avoid bleeding during lesion preparation in such patients (see section 4.2). 
 
Risk of mucous membrane and eye irritation 
Ameluz can cause mucous membrane or eye irritation. The excipient sodium benzoate may be mildly 
irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Propylene glycol may cause irritation.  
Special care should be taken to avoid applying Ameluz into eyes or to mucous membranes. In case of 
accidental contact, the site must be rinsed with water. 
 



 5 

Ameluz should not be used on skin areas affected by other diseases or tattoos. 
The success and assessment of treatment may be impaired if the treated area is affected by the 
presence of skin diseases (skin inflammation, located infection, psoriasis, eczema, and malignant skin 
cancers) as well as tattoos. No experience exists with these situations. 
 
Ameluz transiently increases phototoxicity  
Any UV-therapy should be discontinued before treatment. As a general precaution, sun exposure on 
the treated lesion sites and surrounding skin should be avoided for approximately 48 hours following 
treatment. Concomitant use of medicinal products with known phototoxic or photoallergic potential 
such as St. John’s wort, griseofulvin, thiazide diuretics, sulfonylureas, phenothiazines, sulphonamides, 
quinolones and tetracyclines may enhance the phototoxic reaction to photodynamic therapy. 
 
Risk of allergic reaction 
Ameluz contains soybean phosphatidylcholine and should not be applied to patients known to be 
allergic to peanut or soya (see section 4.3).  
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
Ameluz does not increase 5-aminolaevulinic acid or protoporphyrin IX plasma levels following topical 
application. 
No interaction studies have been performed.  
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Pregnancy 
There are no or limited amount of data (less than 300 pregnancy outcomes) from the use of 
5-aminolaevulinic acid in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful 
effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). As a precautionary measure, it is 
preferable to avoid the use of Ameluz during pregnancy. 
 
Breast-feeding 
It is unknown whether 5-aminolaevulinic acid/metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the 
suckling child cannot be excluded. Breast-feeding should be discontinued for 12 hours after treatment 
with Ameluz. 
 
Fertility 
There are no data available on the effect of 5-aminolaevulinic acid on fertility. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Ameluz has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.  
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
In clinical trials with Ameluz, local skin reactions at the application site were observed in most of the 
subjects treated for actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma. This is to be expected as the therapeutic 
principle of photodynamic therapy is based on phototoxic effects of protoporphyrin IX which is 
synthesized from the active ingredient 5-aminolaevulinic acid.  
The most common signs and symptoms are application site irritation, erythema, pain, and oedema. The 
intensity of these effects is dependent on the type of illumination used for photodynamic therapy. The 
increased effects correlate with the higher clearance rate of narrow spectrum lamps (see section 5.1). 
Intensity of adverse reactions, particularly pain, was lower when Ameluz was used in combination 
with daylight PDT. 
Most adverse reactions occur during illumination or shortly afterwards. The symptoms are usually of 
mild or moderate intensity (investigator’s assessment on a 4-point scale), and last for 1 to 4 days in 



 6 

most cases; in some cases, however, they may persist for 1 to 2 weeks or even longer. In rare cases, 
the adverse reactions required interruption or discontinuation of the illumination. 
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
The incidence of adverse reactions in 624 subjects exposed to photodynamic therapy with Ameluz in 
pivotal clinical trials is listed below. All these adverse reactions were non serious. The table 
additionally includes serious adverse reactions reported post-marketing. Frequencies are defined as 
very common (?1/10), common (?1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (?1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (?1/10,000 
to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). 
Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.  
 
Table 1: Summary of related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in patients treated with 
photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolaevulinic acid 

System organ class Frequency Adverse reaction 

Infections and infestations Uncommon At application site: Pustules Not at application site: Rash pustular 
Psychiatric disorders Uncommon Nervousness 

Nervous system disorders 
Common Headache 

Uncommon Transient global amnesia (incl. confusion and disorientation)*, Dysaesthesia 

Eye disorders Uncommon Eyelid oedema, vision blurred, visual impairment 
Skin and subcutaneous 
disorders Uncommon Blister, dry skin, petechiae, skin tightness 

Musculoskeletal and 
connective tissue disorders Uncommon Back pain 

General disorders and 
administration site 
conditions 

Very common 
At application site: Erythema, pain (incl. burning 
pain), irritation, pruritus, oedema, scab, exfoliation, 
induration, paraesthesia 

Common 
At application site: Vesicles, discharge, erosion, 
reaction, discomfort, hyperalgesia, haemorrhage, 
warmth 

Uncommon 

At application site: Discoloration, ulcer, swelling, 
inflammation, eczema infected, hypersensitivity*1 
Not at application site: Chills, feeling hot, pyrexia, 
pain, fatigue, ulcer, swelling 

Injury, poisoning and 
procedural complications Uncommon Wound secretion 

Vascular disorders Uncommon Hot flush 
* Data from post-marketing period.  
 1 This reaction also occurs before illumination. 
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions  
 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V.  
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
Overdose following topical administration is unlikely and has not been reported in clinical studies. If 
Ameluz is accidentally ingested, systemic toxicity is unlikely. Protection from sun light exposure for 
48 hours and observation are nevertheless recommended. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


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5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1  Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents, sensitizers used in photodynamic/radiation 
therapy, ATC code: L01XD04 
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Following topical application of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA), the substance is metabolized to 
protoporphyrin IX, a photoactive compound which accumulates intracellularly in the treated actinic 
keratosis and basal cell carcinoma lesions. Protoporphyrin IX is activated by illumination with red 
light of a suitable wavelength and energy. In the presence of oxygen, reactive oxygen species are 
formed. The latter causes damage of cellular components and eventually destroys the target cells.  
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
Treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) and field cancerization: 
 
Efficacy and safety of Ameluz for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) has been evaluated in 746 
patients enrolled in clinical trials. In clinical phase III, a total of 486 patients were treated with 
Ameluz. All patients had at least 4  mild to moderate actinic keratosis lesions. The application site 
preparation and duration of incubation followed the description under section 4.2. If not completely 
cleared 12 weeks after initial treatment, lesions or cancerized fields were treated a second time with an 
identical regimen. 
 
A) Photodynamic therapy with red-light for AK of face and scalp 
 
In study ALA-AK-CT002, a randomised, observer blinded clinical trial with 571 AK patients and a 
follow-up duration of 6 and 12 months, photodynamic therapy with Ameluz was tested for non-
inferiority to a commercially registered cream containing 16% methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL, methyl-
[5-amino-4-oxopentanoate]) and superiority over placebo. The red light source was either a narrow 
light spectrum lamp (Aktilite CL 128 or Omnilux PDT) or a lamp with a broader and continuous light 
spectrum (Waldmann PDT 1200 L, or Hydrosun Photodyn 505 or 750). The primary endpoint was 
complete patient clearance 12 weeks after the last photodynamic therapy. Ameluz (78.2%) was 
significantly more effective than MAL (64.2%, [97.5%- confidence interval: 5.9; ?]) and placebo 
(17.1%, [95%-confidence interval: 51.2; 71.0]). Total lesion clearance rates were higher for Ameluz 
(90.4%) compared to MAL (83.2%) and placebo (37.1%). Clearance rates and tolerability were 
dependent on the illumination source. The following table presents the efficacy and the adverse 
reactions transient pain and erythema occurring at the application site during photodynamic therapy 
with different light sources:  
 
Table 2a: Efficacy and adverse reactions (transient pain and erythema) occurring at the application site 
during photodynamic therapy with different light sources for the treatment of AK in clinical trial 
ALA-AK-CT002 
Light source Medicinal 

product 
Total patient 
clearance (%) 

Application site erythema 
(%) 

Application site pain 
(%) 

mild moderate severe mild moderate severe 
Narrow 
spectrum  

Ameluz 85 13 43 35 12 33 46 
MAL  68 18 43 29 12 33 48 

Broad 
spectrum 

Ameluz 72 32 29 6 17 25 5 
MAL  61 31 33 3 20 23 8 

 
Clinical efficacy was re-assessed at follow-up visits 6 and 12 months after the last photodynamic 
therapy. Recurrence rates after 12 months were slightly better for Ameluz (41.6%, [95%-confidence 
interval: 34.4; 49.1]) as compared to MAL (44.8%, [95%-confidence interval: 36.8; 53.0]) and 



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dependent on the light spectrum used for illumination, in favour of narrow spectrum lamps. Prior to 
the decision to undergo photodynamic therapy it should be taken into consideration that the probability 
of a subject to be completely cleared 12 months after the last treatment was 53.1% or 47.2% for 
treatment with Ameluz and 40.8% or 36.3% for MAL treatment with narrow spectrum lamps or all 
lamp types, respectively. The probability of patients in the Ameluz group to require only 1 treatment 
and remain completely cleared 12 months after the photodynamic therapy was 32.3%, that of patients 
in the MAL group 22.4% on average with all lamps.  
 
Cosmetic outcome assessed 12 weeks after the last photodynamic therapy (with baseline sum score 0 
excluded) was judged as: very good or good in 43.1% of subjects in the Ameluz group, 45.2% in the 
MAL group and 36.4% in the placebo group; and unsatisfactory or impaired in 7.9%, 8.1% and 18.2% 
of subjects, respectively. 
 
In study ALA-AK-CT003, Ameluz was also compared with placebo treatment in a randomised, 
double-blind clinical trial enrolling 122 AK patients. The red light source provided either a narrow 
spectrum around 630 nm at a light dose of 37 J/cm2 (Aktilite CL 128) or a broader and continuous 
spectrum in the range between 570 and 670 nm at a light dose of 170 J/cm2 (Photodyn 750). The 
primary endpoint was complete patient clearance after 12 weeks following the last photodynamic 
therapy. Photodynamic therapy with Ameluz (66.3%) was significantly more effective than with 
placebo (12.5%, p < 0.0001). Total lesion clearance was higher for Ameluz (81.1%) compared to 
placebo (20.9%). Clearance rates and tolerability were dependent on the illumination source in favour 
of the narrow spectrum light source. Clinical efficacy was maintained during the follow-up periods of 
6 and 12 months after the last photodynamic therapy. Prior to the decision to undergo photodynamic 
therapy it should be taken into consideration that the probability of a subject to be completely cleared 
12 months after the last treatment was 67.5% or 46.8% for treatment with Ameluz with narrow 
spectrum lamps or all lamp types, respectively. The probability to require only one treatment with 
Ameluz and remain completely cleared 12 months later was 34.5% on average with all lamps. 
 
Table 2b: Efficacy and adverse reactions (transient pain and erythema) occurring at the application site 
during photodynamic therapy with different light sources for the treatment of AK in clinical trial 
ALA-AK-CT003 
Light 
source 

Medicinal 
product 

Total patient 
clearance (%) 

Application site erythema (%)  Application site pain (%) 
mild moderate severe mild moderate severe 

Narrow 
spectrum  Ameluz 87 26 67 7 30 35 16 

Broad 
spectrum Ameluz 53 47 19 0 35 14 0 

 
In both AK studies ALA-AK-CT002 and -CT003 the clearance rates were higher after illumination 
with narrow light spectrum devices but the incidence and intensity of administration site disorders 
(e.g. transient pain, erythema) increased in patients illuminated with these devices (see tables above 
and section 4.8). 
 
The cosmetic outcome was assessed as very good or good in 47.6% of the subjects in the Ameluz 
group compared to 25.0% of subjects in the placebo group. An unsatisfactory or impaired cosmetic 
outcome was judged for 3.8% of the subjects in the Ameluz group and in 22.5% of the subjects in the 
placebo group. 
 
Field cancerization is characterised by an area of skin where multiple AK lesions are present and there 
is likely to be an underlying and surrounding area of actinic damage (a concept known as field 
cancerization or field change); the extent of this area may not be evident visually or by physical 
examination. In a third randomised, double-blind clinical trial, ALA-AK-CT007, enrolling 87 patients, 
Ameluz and placebo were compared on entire treatment fields (field cancerization) containing 4 to 8 
AK lesions in a field area of maximum 20 cm2. The red light source provided a narrow spectrum 
around 635 nm at a light dose of 37 J/cm2 (BF-RhodoLED). Ameluz was superior to placebo with 
respect to patient complete clearance rates (90.9% vs. 21.9% for Ameluz and placebo, respectively; p 
< 0.0001) and lesion complete clearance rates (94.3% vs. 32.9%, respectively; p < 0.0001), as 



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controlled 12 weeks after the last PDT. 96.9 % of patients with AK on the face or forehead were 
cleared from all lesions, 81.8 % of patients with AK on the scalp were totally cleared. Lesions of mild 
severity were cleared by 99.1 % vs. 49.2 %, those of moderate severity by 91.7 % vs. 24.1 % for 
treatment with Ameluz and placebo, respectively. After only 1 PDT complete patient clearance 
resulted in 61.8 % vs. 9.4 %, and complete lesion clearance in 84.2 % vs. 22.0 % for Ameluz and 
placebo treatment, respectively. 
 
Clinical efficacy was maintained during the follow-up periods of 6 and 12 months after the last PDT. 
After Ameluz treatment, 6.2% of the lesions were recurrent after 6 and additionally 2.9% after 12 
months, respectively (placebo: 1.9% after 6 and additionally 0% after 12 months, respectively). Patient 
recurrence rates were 24.5 % and 14.3 % after 6 months, and additionally 12.2 % and 0 % after 12 
months for Ameluz and placebo, respectively. 
 
The field treatment applied in this study allowed the assessment of skin quality changes at baseline 
and 6 and 12 months after the last PDT by severity. The percentage of patients with skin impairment 
before PDT and 12 months after PDT is listed in the table below. All skin quality parameters in the 
treated area continuously improved up to the 12-month follow-up time point. 
 
Table 3a: Skin quality parameters in the treated area during 12- month follow-up (ALA-AK-CT007) 

Type of skin 
impairment Severity 

AMELUZ Placebo 
Before PDT (%) 12 months after 

PDT (%) 
Before PDT (%) 12 months after 

PDT (%) 
Roughness/ 
dryness/ 
scaliness 

None 15 72 11 58 
Mild 50 26 56 35 
Moderate/ severe 35 2 33 8 

Hyper-
pigmentation 

None 41 76 30 62 
Mild 52 24 59 35 
Moderate/ severe 7 0 11 4 

Hypo-
pigmentation 

None 54 89 52 69 
Mild 43 11 44 27 
Moderate/ severe 4 0 4 4 

Mottled or 
irregular 
pigmentation 

None 52 82 48 73 
Mild 44 17 41 15 
Moderate/ severe 4 2 11 12 

Scarring None 74 93 74 89 
Mild 22 7 22 12 
Moderate/ severe 4 0 4 0 

Atrophy None 69 96 70 92 
Mild 30 4 30 8 
Moderate/ severe 2 0 0 0 

 
B) Photodynamic therapy with red-light for AK in the region trunk, neck and extremities  
 
In clinical trial ALA-AK-CT010, the efficacy of Ameluz in the treatment of AK on other body regions 
(extremities, trunk and neck) was compared with placebo treatment in a randomized, double-blind, 
intra-individual Phase III clinical trial comparing 50 patients with 4-10 AKs on opposite sites of the 
extremities and/or the trunk/neck. The red light source provided a narrow spectrum around 635 nm at 
a light dose of 37 J/cm2 (BF-RhodoLED). The primary endpoint was total lesion clearance 12 weeks 
after the last photodynamic therapy. Ameluz was superior to placebo with respect to mean lesion 
complete clearance rates (86.0% vs. 32.9%, respectively) and patient complete clearance rates (67.3% 
vs. 12.2% for Ameluz and placebo, respectively), as controlled 12 weeks after the last PDT, whereas 
the rate of lesions assessed as fully cleared by the investigator and simultaneously cleared according to 
histopathology of a biopsy was lower in both groups: 70.2% in the Ameluz and 19.1 % in the placebo 
group.  
 



 10 

C) Photodynamic therapy with daylight for AK of the face or scalp 
 
The efficacy of Ameluz in combination with daylight PDT was tested in a randomised, observer-blind, 
intra-individual phase III clinical trial (ALA-AK-CT009) enrolling 52 patients with 3-9 AKs on each 
side of the face and/ or scalp. Ameluz was tested for non-inferiority to a cream containing 16% 
methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL, methyl-[5-amino-4-oxopentanoate]) commercially registered for 
daylight PDT. Each side of the face/scalp was treated with one of the two products. Daylight PDT was 
performed outdoors for 2 continuous hours in full daylight. On sunny days, shelter in the shade could 
be taken should the patient feel uncomfortable in direct sunlight. Rainy periods or time required 
indoors prolonged the outdoor exposure accordingly. Daylight may not be sufficient for Ameluz 
daylight treatment during winter months in certain parts of Europe. Ameluz daylight photodynamic 
therapy is feasible all year long in southern Europe, from February to October in middle Europe, and 
from March to October in northern Europe. 
The complete lesion clearance rate for Ameluz in combination with a single daylight PDT was 79.8%, 
compared to 76.5% for comparator MAL. The study demonstrated the non-inferiority of Ameluz 
compared to MAL cream [lower 97.5% -confidence limit 0.0]. Adverse events and tolerability were 
comparable for both treatments. Clinical efficacy was re-assessed at follow-up visits 6 and 12 months 
after the last photodynamic therapy (daylight PDT). Mean lesion recurrence rates after 12 months were 
numerically lower for Ameluz (19.5%) as compared to MAL (31.2%). 
 
Table 3b: Total Lesion Clearance (Percentage of Completely Cleared Individual Lesions) in clinical 
trial ALA-AK-CT009 

 N BF-200 ALA 
Mean + SD (%) 

N MAL 
Mean + SD (%) 

Lower 97.5% 
Confidence Limit 

P value  

PPS – non-inferiority 49 79.8 +/- 23.6 49 76.5 +- 26.5 0.0 <0.0001 
FAS – superiority 51 78.7 +/- 25.8 51 75.0 +/- 28.1 0.0 0.1643 

 
Treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC): 
 
Efficacy and safety of Ameluz for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with a thickness of 
<2mm has been evaluated in 281 patients enrolled in a phase III clinical trial (ALA-BCC-CT008). In 
this study a total of 138 patients were treated with Ameluz. All patients had 1 to 3 BCC lesions on the 
face/forehead, bald scalp, extremities and/or neck/trunk. In this study, photodynamic therapy with 
Ameluz was tested for non-inferiority to a cream containing 16% methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL, 
methyl-[5-amino-4-oxopentanoate]). The red light source provided a narrow spectrum around 635 nm 
at a light dose of 37 J/cm2 (BF-RhodoLED). The primary endpoint was complete patient clearance 12 
weeks after the last photodynamic therapy.  
The complete patient clearance rate for Ameluz was 93.4%, compared to 91.8% for the comparator 
MAL. The study demonstrated the non-inferiority of Ameluz compared to MAL cream [97.5% -
confidence interval -6.5]. Of the BCC lesions, 94.6% were cleared with Ameluz, 92.9% with MAL. 
For nodular BCC, 89.3% of the lesions were cleared with Ameluz, 78.6% with MAL. Adverse events 
and tolerability were comparable for both treatments.  
Clinical efficacy was re-assessed at follow-up visits 6 and 12 months after the last photodynamic 
therapy. Lesion recurrence rates after 6 and 12 months were 2.9% and 6.7%, respectively, for Ameluz, 
and 4.3% and 8.2% for MAL. 
 
Table 4: Efficacy of PDT for the treatment of BCC for all patients and selected subgroups in clinical 
trial ALA-BCC-CT008 

 Ameluz 
Patient 
number 
n (%) 

Ameluz 
Full patient 
clearance  

n (%) 

Ameluz 
Full lesion 
clearance  

n (%) 

MAL  
Patient 
number 
n (%) 

MAL 
Full patient 
clearance  

n (%) 

MAL 
Full lesion 
clearance  

n (%) 
Total 121 113  

(93.4) 
140  

(94.6) 
110 101  

(91.8) 
118  

(92.9) 
Subgroups: 
Patients with more 
than 1 BCC 

23  
(19.0) 

23/23  
(100.0) 

n.a. 16  
(14.5) 

14/16 
(87.5) 

n.a. 



 11 

Superficial (only) 95  
(78.5) 

90/95  
(94.7) 

114/119 
(95.8) 

83  
(75.5) 

80/83 
(96.4) 

95/98 
(96.9) 

Nodular (only) 21  
(17.4) 

18/21  
(85.7) 

25/28 
(89.3) 

21  
(19.1) 

16/21 
(76.2) 

22/28 
(78.6) 

Others (including 
mixed s/nBCCs) 

5  
(4.1) 

5/5  
(100.0) 

1/1  
(100.0) 

6  
(5.5) 

5/6  
(83.3) 

1/1  
(100.0) 

Thickness >1mm n.a. n.a. 8/11 
(72.7) 

n.a. n.a. 8/12 
(66.7) 

BCC on the head 
(only) 

13  
(10.7) 

10/13  
(76.9) 

14/17 
(82.4) 

14  
(12.7) 

10/14 
(71.4) 

12/17 
(70.6) 

BCC on the trunk 
(only) 

77  
(63.6) 

75/77  
(97.4) 

95/97 
(97.9) 

73  
(66.4) 

70/73 
(95.9) 

84/87 
(96.6) 

 
Patient distribution in the subgroups was similar for both products and represents the distribution in 
the general population, where more than 70% of BCCs are located in the head/trunk region. BCCs 
located in this region mainly belong to the superficial subtype. In conclusion, even though subgroup 
sizes are too small to draw significant conclusions on individual groups, the distribution of the two 
products to the relevant subgroups is very similar. Thus, it seems not plausible that this could 
negatively impact the non-inferiority claim of the primary study endpoint or the general trends 
observed across all subgroups. 
 
In a clinical trial designed to investigate the sensitization potential of ALA with 216 healthy subjects, 
13 subjects (6%) developed allergic contact dermatitis after continuous exposure for 21 days with 
doses of ALA that were higher than doses normally used in the treatment of AK. Allergic contact 
dermatitis has not been observed under regular treatment conditions. 
 
Actinic keratosis lesion severity was graded according to the scale described by Olsen et al., 1991 
(J Am Acad Dermatol 1991; 24: 738-743): 
Grade Clinical description of severity grading  
0 none  no AK lesion present, neither visible nor palpable 
1 mild  flat, pink maculae without signs of hyperkeratosis and erythema, slight 

palpability, with AK felt better than seen 
2 moderate pink to reddish papules and erythematous plaques with hyperkeratotic surface, 

moderately thick AK that are easily seen and felt 
3 severe very thick and / or obvious AK 

 
Paediatric population 
 
The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with 
Ameluz in all subsets of the paediatric population in actinic keratosis. A class waiver exists for basal 
cell carcinoma (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use). 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
 
In vitro dermal absorption into human skin was studied using Ameluz containing radiolabelled 
5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA). After 24 hours, the mean cumulative absorption (including 
accumulation in the dermis) through human skin was 0.2% of the administered dose. Corresponding 
studies in human skin with actinic keratosis lesions and/or roughened surface were not performed. 
 
Distribution 
 
In a phase II clinical trial, 5-aminolaevulinic acid and protoporphyrin IX serum levels and ALA urine 
levels were measured before, 3 and 24 hours after administration of Ameluz for photodynamic 
treatment. None of the post-dose levels were increased in comparison to the naturally occuring pre-
dose levels, showing absence of a relevant systemic absorption after topical administration. 



 12 

 
A maximal use PK study was conducted in 12 patients bearing at least 10 mild to moderate AKs on 
the face or forehead. An entire tube of placebo and Ameluz followed by PDT was applied in a fixed 
sequence design with a washout period of 7 days to evaluate baseline and Ameluz dependent plasma 
concentrations of ALA and PpIX. In most patients an up to 2.5-fold increase of basic ALA plasma 
concentrations was observed during the first 3 hours after Ameluz application, which is still within the 
normal range of previously reported and published endogenous ALA concentrations. The plasma 
concentrations of metabolite PpIX were generally low in all patients and in none of the patients, an 
obvious increase of PpIX plasma concentrations was observed after Ameluz application. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on dermal toxicity studies or studies 
reported in the literature of repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. 
Carcinogenicity studies have not been performed with ALA. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Xanthan gum 
Soybean phosphatidylcholine  
Polysorbate 80 
Triglycerides, medium-chain 
Isopropyl alcohol 
Disodium phosphate dihydrate 
Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate 
Propylene glycol 
Sodium benzoate (E211) 
Purified water 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
Unopened tube: 18 months 
After first opening: 12 weeks  
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). 
Keep the tube tightly closed after first opening. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container  
 
One outer carton containing one aluminium tube with epoxyphenol inner lacquer and a latex seal and a 
screw cap of high density polyethylene. Each tube contains 2 g of gel.  
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling 
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.  
 



 13 

Each lamp should be used according to the user manual. Only CE marked lamps should be used, 
equipped with the necessary filters and/or reflecting mirrors to minimize exposure to heat, blue light 
and ultra violet (UV) radiation. The technical specifications of the device need to be checked before 
using a specific light source, and the requirements must be met for the intended light spectrum. Both 
the patient and the medical personnel conducting the photodynamic therapy should adhere to any 
safety instructions provided with the light source used. During illumination, patient and medical 
personnel should wear suitable protective goggles. There is no need to protect healthy untreated skin 
surrounding the treated actinic keratosis lesions. 
 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH 
Hemmelrather Weg 201 
51377 Leverkusen 
Germany 
Tel: +49-214-87632-66 
Fax: +49-214-87632-90 
Email: ameluz@biofrontera.com 
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/11/740/001 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 14 December 2011 
Date of latest renewal: 21 November 2016 
 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 

mailto:ameluz@biofrontera.com
http://www.ema.europa.eu/


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX II 
 
A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 
 
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 
 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 



 

 

A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 
Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release 
 
Biofrontera Pharma GmbH 
Hemmelrather Weg 201  
D-51377 Leverkusen 
Germany 
 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE  
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 
C.  OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 
 
• Periodic safety update reports (PSURs) 
 
The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of 
Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC 
and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal. 
 
 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
• Risk management plan (RMP) 
 
The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the pharmacovigilance activities and 
interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the marketing 
authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP. 
 
An updated RMP should be submitted: 

• At the request of the European Medicines Agency. 
• Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached. 

 
 



 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 
 
 
  



 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 
  



 

18 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
Outer Carton 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Ameluz 78 mg/g gel 
5-aminolaevulinic acid  
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
One gram contains 78 mg of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (as hydrochloride). 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Xanthan gum, soybean phosphatidylcholine, polysorbate 80, triglycerides medium-chain, isopropyl 
alcohol, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, 
sodium benzoate (E211), purified water. See package leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
2 g gel 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Cutaneous use.  
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
Discard 12 weeks after first opening. 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 
Keep the tube tightly closed after first opening. 
 



 

19 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH 
Hemmelrather Weg 201 
51377 Leverkusen 
Germany 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/11/740/001 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Justification for not including Braille accepted. 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC {number} [product code]  
SN {number} [serial number] 
NN {number} [national reimbursement number or other national number identifying the medicinal 
product] 
 



 

20 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE 
PACKAGING UNITS 
 
Tube 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Ameluz 78 mg/g gel 
5-aminolaevulinic acid 
Cutaneous use  
 
 
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 
 
2 g  
 
 
6. OTHER 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 

  



 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



 

22 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 
 

Ameluz 78 mg/g gel 
5-aminolaevulinic acid 

 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor. 
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor. This includes any possible side effects not listed 

in this leaflet. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
1. What Ameluz is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you use Ameluz 
3. How to use Ameluz 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store Ameluz 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1.  What Ameluz is and what it is used for 
 
Ameluz contains the active substance 5-aminolaevulinic acid. It is used to treat: 
• slightly palpable to moderately thick actinic keratoses or entire fields affected by actinic 

keratoses in adults. Actinic keratoses are certain changes in the outer layer of the skin that can 
lead to skin cancer. 

• superficial and/or nodular basal cell carcinoma unsuitable for surgical treatment due to 
possible treatment-related morbidity and/or poor cosmetic outcome in adults. Basal cell 
carcinoma is a skin cancer that can cause reddish, scaly patches or one or several small bumps 
that bleed easily and do not heal.  

 
After application, the active substance of Ameluz becomes a photoactive substance which accumulates 
in affected cells. Illumination with appropriate light produces reactive oxygen-containing molecules 
which act against the target cells. This therapy is known as photodynamic therapy (PDT). 
 
 
2.  What you need to know before you use Ameluz 
 
Do not use Ameluz 
• if you are allergic to 

– 5-aminolaevulinic acid or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) 
– photoactive substances known as porphyrins 
– soya or peanuts 

• if you have impaired formation of red blood pigment called porphyria 
• if you have other skin conditions caused by, or made worse by, exposure to light 
 
Warnings and precautions 
Talk to your doctor before using Ameluz. 
• In very rare cases photodynamic therapy may increase the risk of developing temporary 

memory loss.  
• The use of Ameluz is not recommended if you use immunosuppressants. 
• Avoid applying Ameluz  

– to bleeding lesions 
– into eyes or to mucous membranes 



 

23 

– on skin areas affected by other diseases or tattoos, because this may hinder the success 
and assessment of the treatment. 

• Discontinue any UV-therapy before treatment. 
• Avoid sun exposure on the treated lesion sites and surrounding skin for approximately 48 hours 

following treatment. 
 
Children and adolescents  
Actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinomas do not occur in children and adolescents, except in 
extremely rare cases. 
 
Other medicines and Ameluz 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines.  
 
Inform your doctor if you use medicines that increase allergic or other harmful reactions after light 
exposure, such as 
• St. John’s wort or its preparations: medicines to treat depression  
• griseofulvin: a medicine to treat fungal infections 
• medicines to increase water output through your kidneys with active substance names mostly 

ending in “thiazide” or “tizide”, such as hydrochlorothiazide 
• certain medicines to treat diabetes, such as glibenclamide, glimepiride 
• medicines to treat mental disorders, nausea or vomiting with active substance names mostly 

ending in “azine”, such as phenothiazine 
• medicines to treat bacterial infection with active substance names beginning with “sulfa” or 

ending in “oxacin” or “cycline”, such as tetracycline 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
Ameluz is not recommended during pregnancy, due to insufficient knowledge. 
Breast-feeding should be interrupted for 12 hours after application of Ameluz. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Ameluz has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. 
 
Ameluz contains 
• 2.4 mg sodium benzoate (E211) in each gram of gel. Sodium benzoate may cause local 

irritation. 
• soybean phosphatidylcholine: If you are allergic to peanut or soya, do not use this medicine. 
• propylene glycol: May cause skin irritation. 
 
 
3.  How to use Ameluz 
 
Ameluz is only used on the skin. A therapy session can be administered for single or multiple lesions, 
or entire treatment fields.  The illumination source for PDT treatment of actinic keratoses lesions or 
fields can be daylight or a red-light lamp. Your doctor will decide which treatment option to use, 
depending on your lesions.  
The illumination source for PDT of actinic keratosis in the body regions trunk, neck and extremities is 
a narrow-spectrum red-light. There are no data of efficacy of broader spectrum lamps or daylight PDT 
in these body regions.  
 
The illumination source for PDT of basal cell carcinoma is always a red-light lamp.    
 
Treatment of lesions or fields of actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinoma using a red-light 
lamp 
 
Preparation of the lesions  



 

24 

The application area is first wiped with an alcohol-soaked cotton pad to degrease the skin. Scales and 
crusts are then carefully removed, and all lesion surfaces are gently roughened. Care is taken to avoid 
bleeding. 
 
Application of the gel  
Ameluz is applied to form a film of about 1 mm thickness to the entire lesions or fields and 
approximately 5 mm of the surrounding area using glove-protected fingertips or a spatula. 
Avoid any contact with the eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, mucous membrane or bleeding lesions. A 
distance of at least 1 cm is to be maintained. Rinse with water if such contact occurs. 
The gel is allowed to dry for approximately 10 minutes before placing a light-tight dressing over the 
treatment site. The dressing is removed after 3 hours. The remaining gel is wiped off. 
 
Illumination using a red-light lamp  
The use of Ameluz requires specific knowledge in photodynamic therapy as it may necessitate the use 
of a red-light lamp.  
Immediately after cleaning, the entire treated area is illuminated using a red light source. Efficacy and 
side effects such as temporary pain are dependent on the light source used. Both patients and 
healthcare professionals should adhere to any safety instructions provided with the light source used 
during therapy. All should wear suitable protective goggles during illumination. There is no need to 
protect healthy untreated skin. 
 
Treatment of lesions and fields of actinic keratoses with daylight 
 
Considerations before treatment  
Only use daylight treatment if the weather is suitable to stay comfortably outdoors for two hours (with 
temperatures > 10 °C). If the weather is rainy, or is likely to become so, you should not use daylight 
treatment.  
 
Preparation of the lesions   
Apply sunscreen to sun exposed skin for sun protection 15 min before lesion treatment. Only use 
sunscreen with chemical filters and sun protection factor 30 or higher. Do not use sunscreen with 
physical filters such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, as these inhibit light absorption and may therefore 
impact efficacy. 
Then wipe the application area with an alcohol-soaked cotton pad to degrease the skin. Carefully 
removed scales and crusts and gently roughen all lesion surfaces. Take care to avoid bleeding.  
 
Application of the gel 
Apply Ameluz to form a thin layer to the entire lesions or fields and approximately 5 mm of the 
surrounding area using glove-protected fingertips or a spatula.   
Avoid any contact with the eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, mucous membrane or bleeding lesions, 
maintaining a distance of at least 1 cm. Rinse with water if such contact occurs. 
A light-tight dressing is not necessary. Do not wipe off the gel during the entire daylight treatment 
session.  
 
Illumination using daylight for actinic keratosis treatment 
If weather conditions are suitable (please see above; Considerations before treatment), you should go 
outside within 30 minutes after application of the gel and stay for 2 continuous hours in full daylight. 
Taking shelter in the shade in hot weather is acceptable. If the time outdoors is interrupted, you should 
compensate this with a longer illumination time. After the two hour light exposure, wash off the 
remaining gel. 
 
Number of treatments 
• Lesions and fields of actinic keratoses are treated with one session.  
• Basal cell carcinoma is treated with two sessions, with an interval of one week between 

sessions.  
 



 

25 

The treated lesions should be evaluated 3 months after treatment. Your doctor will decide how well 
each skin lesion has responded, and treatment may have to be repeated at this time.  
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or nurse. 
 
 
4.  Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side 
effects at the application site occur in about 9 out of 10 users and indicate that the affected cells are 
responding to treatment. 
 
Generally, side effects are of mild or moderate intensity, typically occurring during illumination or 1 
to 4 days after. However, in some cases they may persist for 1 to 2 weeks or even longer. In rare cases, 
interruption or discontinuation of illumination may be necessary. After more extended time periods, 
treatment with Ameluz frequently results in continued improvement of skin quality parameters. 
 
The side effects listed below have been reported when using Ameluz with a red-light lamp. The study 
of Ameluz using daylight showed similar types of side effects; however, with lower intensity. Some 
reactions at the application site have been observed before the use of light. 
 
Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people 
• reactions at the application site 

– skin reddening  
– pain (incl. burning) 
– irritation 
– itching 
– tissue swelling caused by excess fluid  
– scab 
– scaling of the skin 
– hardening 
– abnormal sensation, such as pricking, tingling or numbness  

 
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people 
• reactions at the application site 

– vesicles 
– discharge 
– abrasion  
– other reaction 
– discomfort  
– increased sensitivity to pain  
– bleeding 
– warmth 

• headache 
 
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people 
• reactions at the application site 

– change of colour 
– pustules 
– ulcer  
– swelling 
– inflammation 
– eczema with pustules  
– allergic reaction1 

• blister 
• dry skin 
• eyelid swelling caused by excess fluid, blurred vision or visual impairment 



 

26 

• unpleasant, abnormal sense of touch  
• chills 
• feeling hot, fever, hot flush 
• temporary memory loss1 
• pain  
• nervousness 
• wound secretion 
• fatigue  
• rash, red or purple spots on the body 
• ulcer 
• swelling 
• skin tightness 
1 Data from post-marketing  
 
Reporting of side effects 
 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this 
leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. 
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.  
 
 
5.  How to store Ameluz 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube and carton after EXP. The 
expiry date refers to the last day of that month.  
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). 
 
Keep the tube tightly closed after first opening. Discard open tubes 12 weeks after opening. 
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 
 
6.  Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Ameluz contains 
• The active substance is 5-aminolaevulinic acid. 

1 g Ameluz contains 78 mg of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (as hydrochloride). 
• The other ingredients are: 

disodium phosphate dihydrate, isopropyl alcohol, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified 
water, sodium benzoate (E211), sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, soybean 
phosphatidylcholine, triglycerides medium-chain, xanthan gum. See section 2. 

 
What Ameluz looks like and contents of the pack 
Ameluz is a white to yellowish gel. 
Each carton contains one aluminium tube with 2 g gel closed with a polyethylene screw cap. 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder  
Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH  
Hemmelrather Weg 201 
51377 Leverkusen, Germany 
Tel: +49 214 87632 66, Fax: +49 214 87632 90 
Email: ameluz@biofrontera.com 
 

mailto:ameluz@biofrontera.com


 

27 

Manufacturer 
Biofrontera Pharma GmbH 
Hemmelrather Weg 201 
51377 Leverkusen, Germany 
Tel: +49 214 87632 66, Fax: +49 214 87632 90 
Email: ameluz@biofrontera.com 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder: 
 
BE, BG, CZ, DK, DE, EE, EL, HR, IE, IS, IT, CY, LV, LT, LU, HU, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, 
SI, SK, SE, UK   
Biofrontera Pharma GmbH  
Allemagne / Deutschland / Duitsland / ???????? / N?mecko / Tyskland / Saksamaa / ???????? / 
Njema?ka / Germany / Þýskaland / Germania / V?cija / Vokietija / Németország / Il-?ermanja / 
Niemcy / Alemanha / Nem?ija / Nemecko 
Tél / Tel / Te?. / Tlf / ??? / Sími / Tel. / Tfn: +49 214 87632 66  
ameluz@biofrontera.com 
 
España 
Biofrontera Pharma GmbH sucursal en España 
Tel: 900 974943 
ameluz-es@biofrontera.com 
 
France 
Biofrontera Pharma GmbH 
Allemagne 
Tél: 0800 904642 
ameluz-fr@biofrontera.com 
 
 

Österreich 
Pelpharma Handels GmbH 
Tel: +43 2273 70 080 
ameluz@pelpharma.at 
 
Suomi/Finland 
Biofrontera Pharma GmbH 
Saksa/Tyskland 
Puh/Tel: 0800 917631  
ameluz-fi@biofrontera.com 
 

 
This leaflet was last revised in  
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 

mailto:ameluz@biofrontera.com
mailto:ameluz@biofrontera.com
mailto:ameluz-es@biofrontera.com
mailto:ameluz-fr@biofrontera.com
mailto:ameluz@pelpharma.at
mailto:ameluz-fi@biofrontera.com
http://www.ema.europa.eu/

	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 
	C.  OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET