Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is a drug used as a sensitizer in photodynamic therapy.

Metvix cream is applied topically and some time later the skin is illuminated with a proprietary red light (630 nm) source (medical lamp 'Aktilite') to activate the photosensitiser.

[1] Methyl aminolevulinate is approved in New Zealand for treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

[2] It is now approved in many countries and has been used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma).

[4] It has been reported as controversial in some quarters, with severe pain allegedly being experienced by some patients.