A global academic and clinical forum to capture the growing interest in UV radiation and skin damage
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV; XETRA-DAX: UR9; ADR: CLVLY) today announced that it had hosted its second Annual Scientific & Clinical Excellence Meeting (ASCEM II) in Switzerland. In light of the progress made in afamelanotide’s clinical development, more scientific interest is being shown from the medical community worldwide.
Clinuvel’s objective for this meeting was to integrate basic molecular science, clinical care and medicinal photoprotection.
The ASCEM was held on 21-22 February and was led by seven of the world’s foremost experts on molecular biology, photodermatology and skin cancer.
The ASCEM II focused specifically on the scientific advances made on:
- melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) competency;
- the clinical uses of melanocortins (afamelanotide belonging to the family of melanocortins);
- signalling pathways in melanocytes (pigment producing cells) and melanin biosynthesis; and
- genetic mutations in skin cancer.
Clinuvel’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr Hank Agersborg said: ”Clinuvel has acquired significant pharmacological knowledge on the use of afamelanotide in fair-skin patients who are MC1R deficient. These patients are known to have an increased risk to skin cancers. Pharmacologically, we have developed a selective agonist to MC1R for these patients who are most in need of an effective therapy.
“Part of our pharmaceutical development program involves a unique dialogue with thought leaders in photomedicine to share these developments.”
Clinuvel’s CEO Dr Philippe Wolgen said: “It is very much central to Clinuvel’s objectives to collaborate and interact with the best professional minds in molecular and clinical science. Melanocortins have become subject of much interest in the pharmaceutical sector. Our leadership is more or less expected by the growing pool of physicians and stakeholders in our program worldwide. In the second year running, it is already apparent that ASCEM is yielding returns as increased number of requests are made to share our knowledge on an area of public focus, namely UV-radiation and skin.”
Relevant references:
- von Thaler AK, Kamenisch Y, Berneburg M. “The role of ultraviolet radiation in melanomagenesis.” Exp Dermatol. 2010 Feb 1;19(2):81-8.
- Maresca V, Flori E, Bellei B et al. ”MC1R stimulation by alpha-MSH induces catalase and promotes its re-distribution to the cell periphery and dendrites.” Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2010 Jan 12.
- Elfakir A, Ezzedine K, Latreille J et al. “Functional MC1R-Gene Variants Are Associated with Increased Risk for severe photoaging of facial skin.” J Invest Dermatol. 2009 Nov 19.
- End -
Investor relations contacts:
Australia: Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited, T: +61 3 9660 4900
Europe: Clinuvel AG, T: +41 41 767 45 45
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Clinuvel is an Australian biopharmaceutical company focussed on developing its photoprotective drug, SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) for a range of UV-related skin disorders resulting from exposure of the skin to harmful UV radiation. Pharmaceutical research and development involves long lead times and significant risks. Therefore, while all reasonable efforts have been made by Clinuvel to ensure that there is a reasonable basis for all statements made in this document that relate to prospective events or developments (forward-looking statements), investors should note the following:
- actual results may and often will differ materially from these forward-looking statements;
- no assurances can be given by Clinuvel that any stated objectives, outcomes or timeframes in respect of its development programme for SCENESSE® can or will be achieved;
- no assurances can be given by Clinuvel that, even if its development programme for SCENESSE® is successful, it will obtain regulatory approval for its pharmaceutical products or that such products, if approved for use, will be successful in the market place.
