The research that underpins afamelanotide began over 20 years ago in the US. At that time the dramatic increase in incidence of skin cancer and its impacts were beginning to be discovered and new solutions sought. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored researchers to explore applications for various peptides as part of its melanoma prevention strategy.
This study led them to investigate peptides that acted on melanocyte receptors. The rationale behind this being that increased melanin leads to more efficient photoprotection, as melanin is a highly successful and naturally occurring UV quencher and filter. By consistently increasing melanin in the skin, skin damage from light and UV radiation can be lessened.
Those of you that follow pharmaceutical development and Clinuvel in particular will know that we recently presented at Rodman and Renshaw’s 11th Annual Healthcare Conference in New York. It’s serendipitous that the following week found another conference taking place in the same city, although involving a rather different topic. The coincidence draws attention to a connection that is of increasing urgency and importance.
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The 1980’s saw the realisation that skin cancer incidence and mortality were on the increase. Relatively little was known or understood about the causes, risks and consequences by the general population and it was apparent that something had to be done to turn this worrying trend around. With this goal in mind a partnership of local government, trade unions, dermatologists, education systems and schools launched what was to become one of the most successful health awareness campaigns of all time.
New research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has revealed a strong relationship between weather and mortality rates worldwide. The study focuses specifically on Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, but data from Australia and New Zealand provides a startling comparison and serves to highlight the relationship between mortality and the seasons.
A most interesting movement that’s gathering steam within pharmaceutical development is that of Green Pharma.
Researchers from Yale University have discovered what they believe to be the pigment that coloured ancient bird feathers. And with it, they may be able to accurately deduce what colour ancient birds, and their ancestors, the dinosaurs, actually were.
Researchers have located a new consequence of global warming, and most of us are likely to notice it. Global warming is undoubtedly having an effect on weather internationally. South Eastern Australia’s record drought and intense bushfire seasons are testimony enough.
