Biomimicry

Afamelanotide, Clinuvel's pharmaceutical product currently in clinical development, mimics the body's natural ability to produce melanin in the skin (biomimicry), but is more potent and longer acting.

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) and visible light radiation is responsible for skin damage. Acute exposure causes sunburn, while chronic exposure can lead to premature ageing and skin cancer.

The body responds to these damages with the release of α-MSH, a natural occurring hormone, which stimulates the production of melanin in the skin (melanogenesis). Melanin, the pigment that provides colour to our skin, acts as a filter by reflecting, refracting and absorbing UV and visible light radiation. This pigmentary response is a natural defense mechanism that prevents further UV and visible light radiation from damaging the skin. This is the body's natural way of protecting skin from UV and visible light radiation; this phenomenon is known medically as photoprotection.

Afamelanotide, a synthetic analog of natural α-MSH, is responsible for melanogenesis in the skin without previous UV exposure and provides medicinal photoprotection to the skin. As afamelanotide is more potent and longer lasting than α-MSH, it can provide a physical barrier for an extended period.

Clinuvel is assessing afamelanotide's ability to provide photoprotection in patients suffering from severe UV and visible light related disorders; these are patients with the greatest clinical need for protection of the skin.

Biomimicry: the natural photoprotective cycle

Biomimicry: afamelanotide's photoprotective cycle