Clinuvel to commence trial of afamelanotide in the US

Melbourne-based biotech, Clinuvel, is set to undertake its first phase II clinical trial in the US of its flagship product, afamelanotide, for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria is a rare condition where sufferers become intolerant to light, resulting in extreme pain and burning of the skin when exposed to normal levels of light. It's estimated to affect 3,000 Americans.

Afamelanotide is an implant that stimulates the production of the body's natural defence against light, melanin, which increases the pigmentation of the skin.

The trial will be held in medical centres in Alabama, California, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Utah.

Afamelanotide has already undergone phase III trials in Europe and Australia, with preliminary results looking positive.

Look out for an in-depth look at Clinuvel and interview with CEO, Dr Philippe Wolgen, in the next issue of Australian Life Scientist.