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Afamelanotide

Phase 1

Afamelanotide Evaluated as Skin DNA Repair Therapy in Healthy Volunteers | Small molecule | Dermatology |Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited American Depositary Shares|Last Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Target and mechanism

ModalitySmall molecule

Also known as Afamelanotide and NB-UVB Light

Success Probability

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Market & Valuation

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Trial Design

UNCONTROLLED
Total Trials1
Total Enrollment10

FDA Designations

No designations recorded

Clinical trial landscape

Afamelanotide · 2 trials · 2 indications

Phase 1 2
NCT06388642Pharmacokinetics of Afamelanotide in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria PatientsErythropoietic Protoporphyria
COMPLETED28 Analytics
NCT05368857DNA Repair Capacity of Afamelanotide on Ultraviolet Radiation-induced DNA Damage in Healthy VolunteersAfamelanotide Evaluated as Skin DNA Repair Therapy in Healthy Volunteers
COMPLETED10 Analytics
PHASE1COMPLETED
Pharmacokinetics of Afamelanotide in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria Patients
Erythropoietic ProtoporphyriaUnlock trial analytics
PHASE1COMPLETED
DNA Repair Capacity of Afamelanotide on Ultraviolet Radiation-induced DNA Damage in Healthy Volunteers
Afamelanotide Evaluated as Skin DNA Repair Therapy in Healthy VolunteersUnlock trial analytics

Study Endpoints

Primary Endpoints

Cmax (Maximum Plasma Concentration)
Baseline to Day 7

Blood samples will be collected for analysis of afamelanotide plasma concentrations and understand what the maximum concentration in plasma is.

AUC(0-t) (Area Under the Curve From Administration to Last Observed Concentration at Time t)
Baseline to Day 7

Blood samples will be collected for analysis of afamelanotide plasma concentrations.

Change in UV photoproduct levels in UVR-exposed skin.
From Baseline to Day 28

Analysis of UV photoproducts from skin samples.

Change in rate of UV photoproduct repair in UVR-exposed skin.
From Baseline to Day 28.

Analysis of UV photoproduct repair mechanisms from skin samples.

Secondary Endpoints

AUC(0-∞) (Area Under the Curve Extrapolated to Infinite Time)
Baseline to Day 7
Change in UV-induced DNA damage and repair markers.
From Baseline to Day 28
Change in Minimal Erythema Dose (MED).
From Baseline to Day 28
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Study Design & Arms

AllocationNA
MaskingNONE
ModelSINGLE_GROUP
PurposeOTHER

Treatment Arms

ArmTypeDescription
Afamelanotide 16 mg implantEXPERIMENTAL -
AfamelanotideEXPERIMENTAL -

Interventions

NameTypeDescription
Afamelanotide 16mg implantDRUGafamelanotide 16mg implant will be administered to each patient during the study.
AfamelanotideDRUGUp to 10 adult healthy volunteers will be enrolled in this study in which small areas of their skin will be exposed to UVR and skin samples taken. UV-induced DNA damage and repair will be analysed.
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Eligibility Criteria

Age Range12 Years to 70 Years
SexALL
Healthy VolunteersNo
Study Sites2

Inclusion Criteria: * EPP patients aged between 12 and 70 years * BMI between 15 and 30 kg/m2 * \>50 kg Exclusion Criteria: * Any personal or direct family history of melanoma * Any significant history of allergy and/or sensitivity to any of the contents of study drug product or lignocaine or oth...

Countries:BelgiumNetherlandsUnited Kingdom
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Frequently asked questions about Afamelanotide

What is Afamelanotide used for?

Afamelanotide is being evaluated as a skin DNA repair therapy in healthy volunteers, and is also studied for erythropoietic protoporphyria and vitiligo. It is an investigational small molecule in dermatology, developed by Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (CUVL).

What does Afamelanotide target?

Afamelanotide is a small molecule being studied for its effects on skin DNA repair and in conditions like vitiligo and erythropoietic protoporphyria. Its specific molecular target is not disclosed in available clinical trial information.

Who makes Afamelanotide?

Afamelanotide is developed by Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited, traded as American Depositary Shares under the ticker CUVL. The company is conducting clinical trials to evaluate the drug for skin-related conditions.

What phase is Afamelanotide in?

Afamelanotide is in Phase 1 clinical development for skin DNA repair and erythropoietic protoporphyria, and Phase 3 for vitiligo. It is investigational and not yet approved by regulatory authorities.

What clinical trials is Afamelanotide in?

Afamelanotide has been studied in NCT05368857, a completed Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers in the United Kingdom, and NCT06388642, a completed Phase 1 pharmacokinetic trial in erythropoietic protoporphyria patients. NCT06109649 is an active Phase 3 trial comparing SCENESSE and NB-UVB light versus NB-UVB alone in vitiligo.

Is Afamelanotide the same as SCENESSE?

Afamelanotide is also known as SCENESSE, as referenced in the vitiligo trial NCT06109649. The drug is being evaluated under this brand name in combination with narrow-band ultraviolet light therapy.