SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF WATER-SOLUBLE DIMETHYLAMINOETHYL ETHERS OF METHOXSALEN FOR PROLIFERATIVE SKIN DISORDERS.

The natural product 8-methoxypsoralen (methoxsalen or 8-MOP) in combination with long wavelength ultraviolet light (UVA, 320-400 nm), also referred to as PUVA therapy, is used for the treatment of cutaneous proliferative disorders including psoriasis, vitiligo and mycosis fungoides. The use of 8-MOP () is limited by its poor water solubility and there remains a need to develop more water-soluble psoralens to enhance bioavailability following oral administration of the drug. In the present studies a water-soluble dimethylaminoethyl ether analog of 8-MOP was synthesized and analyzed for biological activity.