Expert opinion on investigational drugs
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Expert Opin Investig Drugs · Dec 2010
ReviewAfamelanotide, an agonistic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, in dermal phototoxicity of erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Afamelanotide, an α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) agonistic analog is a first-in-class therapeutic. Its application to protoporphyria (PP), a disease associated with absolute sunlight-intolerance is discussed. ⋯ Although early, results of the first trials of afamelanotide for PP are promising and the risk-safety profile appears favorable today. We expect afamelanotide and analogs thereof to be a prospective therapeutic tool in light-related skin diseases, and in future this drug class might prove effectiveness in other medical conditions.