Yesterday, Clinuvel announced the grant of a new patent from the USPTO – allowing the company exclusive protection for the use of afamelanotide (SCENESSE®) and any molecule belonging to the family of melanocortins for UV-protection of individuals who are at high risk of skin cancers. This patent, granting protection until 2024, refers specifically to individuals with defects (allelic variations) seen in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). The MC1R plays a key role in the pigmentary response and defensive mechanism to UV.

The MC1R is vital in regulating the quantity of melanin in skin and an individual’s pigmentary response; one’s ability to activate the protective dark pigment eumelanin in skin after UV induced skin damage (also known as the ‘tanning response’ after erythema).Allelic variations of the MC1R – of which there are over 80 identified in medical literature – are considered highly prevalent in fair skinned populations of European descent, with reports of up to 75% prevalence in Ireland. In red haired coloured (RHC) individuals single or multiple variations are seen in 93% of people tested. Conversely, variations are not seen in African populations, rather a wild type MC1R is referred to in those with darker skin. (more…)