Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights
- Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (CUV) is launching SCENESSE in China to treat erythropoietic protoporphyria, simply known as ‘EPP’
- EPP is a rare, genetic disorder that causes burns and internal damage to vessels whenever patients are exposed to visible light
- SCENESSE is a photo-protective drug that strengthens blood vessels and reduces swelling – therefore protecting patients against light
- The ASX 200 lister will work alongside local partner, Winhealth Pharma, to facilitate treatment across Chinese hospitals
- Clinuvel is down 3.90 per cent and shares are trading for $20.44 each
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (CUV) is launching SCENESSE in China to treat erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic metabolic disorder.
It is estimated that 5000 Chinese residents live with EPP – based on a prevalence of 1:75,000 to 1:211,000 – with no therapy approved prior to SCENESSE.
EPP is an inherited disorder which causes burns and internal damage to vessels whenever patients are exposed to visible light, particularly sunlight. This means it’s safest to live indoors and, therefore, significantly deprived of social settings, activities and a normal life.
SCENESSE is a photo-protective drug and the main active ingredient is Afamelanotide. This hormone acts as an anti-oxidative, strengthens blood vessels and reduces swelling thus protecting patients against any light source and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
SCENESSE was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2019 and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in October 2014 as the world’s first systemic photo-protective drug.
Under a Named Patient Program, Clinuvel is collaborating with local partner Winhealth Pharma to facilitate treatment across Chinese hospitals.
Clinuvel will be responsible for the safety monitoring of the product while Winhealth will select and manage the Chinese hospitals and health care professionals.
“In Winhealth Pharma we believe we have identified a trustworthy counterpart who will work towards the same goals as CLINUVEL’s team. The long-term thinking of Winhealth’s management fits well within our horizon,” Clinuvel Director of Global Operations Lachlan Hay said.
“As an organisation dedicated to the local development and commercialisation of branded therapeutics in the China region, Winhealth focuses on bringing external innovation from world-reputable firms into the hands of the Chinese patients,” Winhealth Chair and CEO Jack Wang said.
Clinuvel is down 3.90 per cent and shares are trading for $20.44 each at 12:38 pm AEST.
