US patent for alpha-MSH and analogues for use in UV protection
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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