Pharmacogenomic patent provides exclusive use in patients at high risk of UV damage
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV; XETRA-DAX: UR9; ADR: CLVLY) today announced the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) had granted, under patent 7,745,408, patent protection for the exclusive use of afamelanotide (SCENESSE®) and any molecule belonging to the family of melanocortins for UV-protection of individuals who have any genetic defect in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). The patent provides protection to Clinuvel until late 2024.
The MC1R plays a central role in human pigmentary response to UV exposure. It is known that 93% of fairskinned, red hair coloured individuals are less protected due to a defect in the MC1R function, and due to their lack of pigmentation. MC1R partial or total loss of function is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer and melanoma.
SCENESSE®, known generically as afamelanotide, has been shown in clinical trials to provide photoprotection through increased melanogenesis (melanin activation) in fair-skinned patients diagnosed with UV and light related skin disorders.
Clinuvel’s CEO, Dr Philippe Wolgen, said: “Scientifically and commercially this patent protection preludes significant news.
“Science is progressing to a stage at which we are able to identify patients at highest lifetime risk of skin cancer and melanoma; this is done through MC1R genotyping. Evidence based and personalised medicine is offering the greatest chance of prevention and effective treatment.
“In SCENESSE® we have developed a preventative agent which reduces the propensity to sunburn and photo damage in patients with a defective defensive mechanism to UV. The broad scope of this patent covers all alpha-MSH analogues and provides us substantial commercial leeway in the field of photoprotection.”
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References:
- Rouzaud F., Kadekero A.L., Abdel-Malek Z.A., Hearing V.J. (2005). “MC1R and the response of melanocytes to ultraviolet radiation”. Mutation Research. 571: 133-152.
- Fitzgerald L.M., Fryer J.L., Dwyer T., Humphrey S.M. (2006). “Nle4-D-Phe7-alpha-MSH on melanin synthesis in humans with MC1R variant alleles.” Peptides. 27: 388-394.
- Rees J.L., Birch-Machin M., Flanagan N., Healy E., Phillips S., Todd C. (1999). “Genetic studies of the human melanocortin-1 receptor.” Annals New York Academy Sciences. 885:134-42.
Investor relations contacts:
Australia: Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited, T: +61 3 9660 4900
Europe: Clinuvel AG, T: +41 41 767 45 45
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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.
