Australia's Clinuvel reports promising results for skin drug afamelanotide for people intolerable to sunlight

Australian firm Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, formerly known as EpiTan, has reported promising four-months results in testing its drug afamelanotide - dubbed 'UV vaccine' by scientists - aimed at people who are completely intolerant to sunlight. Melbourne doctors say the new product will revolutionize preventative treatments for patients with a range of light-sensitive skin disorders - including skin cancer.

This genetic disorder, called EPP, leads to an increased risk of incapacitating phototoxic reactions manifesting as pain and severe ulceration of the skin, greatly reducing the sufferer's quality of live and restricting their activities. It is estimated around 300 Australians are afflicted with EPP, which leaves them in 'intolerable pain,' with blistering and burns when exposed to normal levels of light and sunlight. The disease is incurable and affects patients for life.

An interim analysis of data from the first four months of treatment in Clinuvel's 12 month trial showed an overall reduction in the average number of phototoxic reactions. The company said that 35 patients with severe and/or moderate pain reported the greatest reduction in mean number of reactions.