Clinuvel awarded U.S patent for use of Scenesse in UV protection

Melbourne-based Clinuvel has received a U.S patent acknowledging the role of so-called melanocortin drugs in providing UV protection for fair skinned people who have a genetic variation in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R).

MC1R is key to aiding the skin’s release of pigment so as to limit damage from UV exposure, however is found to be deficient in most people of fair-skinned European heritage, especially red-heads.

“Ninety-three percent of fair-skinned, red haired individuals are less protected from UV due to a defect in the MC1R function, and due to the lack of activating pigmentation, melanin, in their skin,” said Clinuvel CEO Dr Philippe Wolgen.

“Partial or total loss of function of MC1R is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer and melanoma. We know that protection from UV and light – called photoprotection – can reduce this risk.”

Clinuvel’s melanocortin drug Scenesse (afamelanotide), administered as an injectable implant, is designed to mimic the body’s tanning response to UV exposure. It has been shown in clinical trials to deliver protection via increased melanogenesis (melanin activation) in fair-skinned patients diagnosed with UV and light related skin disorders.

The company said that trials are now underway to study the drug’s ability to protect against photodamage in porphyria patients, as well as in organ transplant patients. In the latter case, extended use of immunosuppressive, or anti-organ rejection drugs, combined with UV exposure greatly increase the risks of developing skin cancer.

“Scenesse and other, similar, melanocortins are frequently referred to in scientific publications as agents which may slow down skin cancer,” Dr Wolgen, said. “By gradually demonstrating that Scenesse is able to provide photoprotection in disease symptoms acutely provoked by UV and light, we are approaching our objective of demonstrating the drug’s ability to reduce the longer term impact of UV in patients prone to skin cancer.”

Clinuvel said that pending the results of ongoing studies, Scenesse may soon be available for patients diagnosed with porphyria (EPP) in Europe, Australia and the USA.