EpiTan focuses on Melanotan, a potential blockbuster

Melbourne, Australia-based EpiTan is primarily focused on developing and commercializing its lead product Melanotan, a synthetic copy of a naturally-occurring hormone, alpha-MSH, which stimulates the production of melanin in the skin.

Melanotan has potential utility for certain UV-associated skin diseases, as well as use as a biological protectant of the skin against sunburn and, hence, ultimately skin cancer. Furthermore, it has blockbuster potential as a "lifestyle" drug for those millions of people who prefer just a tan, says a report by analysts at Midas Research.

Strategy is to seek alliances