Pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutic aspects of some psoralen derivatives used in dermatology

In the present thesis the pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutic properties of some psoralen derivatives, that are used in photochemotherapy of dermatological diseases like vitiligo and psoriasis, are studied. Photochemotherapy is a combination of oral administration of one of the psoralen derivatives, 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) or 4, 5', 8-trimethylpsoralen (TMP), and irradiation with long wave ultraviolet light, U.V.-A (320-400 nm), two hours later. This treatment is commonly called PUVA (Psoralen-UV-A). The purpose of the investigation was to develop an 8-MOP dosage form with a fast and reproducible absorption. Various dosage forms of 8-MOP were administered to volunteers and patients and 8-MOP concentrations in body fluids determined. Also the pharmacokinetic properties of 5-MOP and TMP were investigated in a pilot study. (Auth.)