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Afamelanotide and NB-UVB Light
Afamelanotide stimulates melanin production via alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) receptor activation, which is then enhanced by controlled NB-UVB light exposure to increase skin pigmentation and photoprotection.
Afamelanotide stimulates melanin production via alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) receptor activation, which is then enhanced by controlled NB-UVB light exposure to increase skin pigmentation and photoprotection. Used for Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), X-linked protoporphyria (XLP).
At a glance
| Generic name | Afamelanotide and NB-UVB Light |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Clinuvel, Inc. |
| Drug class | Melanocortin receptor agonist |
| Target | Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Afamelanotide is a synthetic analog of α-MSH that binds to melanocortin-1 receptors on melanocytes, triggering increased melanin synthesis and distribution. When combined with narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy, the treatment synergistically enhances melanogenesis and provides photoprotective effects. This combination approach aims to restore protective pigmentation in patients with photosensitive disorders, reducing UV-induced damage and clinical symptoms.
Approved indications
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
- X-linked protoporphyria (XLP)
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Darkening of skin and moles
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of SCENESSE and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet (NB-UVB) Light Versus NB-UVB Light Alone in Patients With Vitiligo (PHASE3)
- Afamelanotide and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Phototherapy in the Treatment of Nonsegmental Vitiligo (NSV) (PHASE2)
- Afamelanotide and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Light in the Treatment of Nonsegmental Vitiligo (PHASE2)
- Afamelanotide and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Light in the Treatment of Nonsegmental Vitiligo (NSV) (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Afamelanotide and NB-UVB Light CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Afamelanotide and NB-UVB Light updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Clinuvel, Inc. portfolio CI