Phototrexate
Phototrexate is a brand that distinguishes a photochromic antifolate developed at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia. In particular, it is a photopharmacological agent that behaves as light-regulated inhibitor of the dihydrofolate reductase. Phototrexate is a photoisomerizable structural analogue of the chemotherapy agent methotrexate. It is also an example of "azologization". 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.
