Company Announcement
Friday 21st October 2011
Melbourne, Australia
First positive observations from Clinuvel’s US vitiligo trial
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV; XETRA-DAX: UR9; ADR: CLVLY) today announced that early clinical observations from the company’s open label Phase II pilot trial (CUV102) of the novel drug SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) were presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) meeting in Lisbon overnight.
Two clinical investigators from the CUV102 study – Dr Henry Lim, Chair of Dermatology at the Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, and Dr Pearl E Grimes, Director of the Vitiligo and Pigmentation Institute of Southern California and Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles – copresented – during the MSH Society meeting1 at the EADV – their first observations from a cohort of 21 patients undergoing repigmentation treatment for NSV. Slides from this presentation have been appended.
Phase II study design – CUV102
Under the CUV102 protocol, 50% of the patients enrolled are undergoing repigmentation treatment with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy in combination with SCENESSE®, while the remaining 50% are being treated with NB-UVB alone. Cases from both the SCENESSE® and control groups were presented and discussed at the meeting.
The clinical objectives of the CUV102 trial are to determine whether SCENESSE® reduces the total dose of radiation (NB-UVB) and the time required to reactivate skin pigment producing cells (melanocytes) in vitiliginous lesions. NB-UVB clinically administered thrice per week over 18 months is considered the standard of care in NSV to stimulate repigmentation in depigmented skin and prevent the progression of lesions, but it is only partially effective as a standalone therapy.
Initial observations
Early observations in 21 patients showed that monthly dosing of afamelanotide (16mg implant) in combination with NB-UVB has the capacity to achieve accelerated and deeper pigmentation of vitiliginous skin lesions. A number of patients have required less NB-UVB dosing during the course of combination treatment.
These first findings support the scientific premise that melanocytes are able to adequately respond to pharmaceutical therapy with melanisation of the skin in nonsegmental vitiligo. The majority of patients in this first cohort were African-Americans and Hispanic patients (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) who have been diagnosed with NSV within the last five years.
“Our early observations from Los Angeles and proof-of-concept data suggest that afamelanotide speeds up the repigmentation of these patients,” Dr Grimes said. “In today’s presentation we discussed the pigmentary response that is seen in patients in the days immediately after drug administration. However, definitive answers as to the drug’s effectiveness can only be given after further results emerge and completion of this study. If we were to identify a drug which assists the vitiligo patients in their repigmentary process it would be an enormous advantage to patients worldwide.”
“The early clinical observations are promising, though we need more data to arrive at definitive conclusions,” Dr Lim said. “It seems from these early observations that the drug increases the rate of repigmentation and response time following narrow band UVB. During the continuation of this multi-centre study, we will analyse which type of vitiligo repigments best with combined treatment and which anatomical areas respond the most.”
Nonsegmental vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disease in which there is a loss of melanin (pigment) production resulting in white or off-white depigmented skin lesions on different parts of the body. Nonsegmental vitiligo, the most common subtype of the disease, affects more than 45 million patients worldwide. This disorder may spread over time and cause patients significant psychological and emotional distress. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it is generally accepted that an autoimmune component may play a role in the disease.
Therapy for vitiligo is intended to arrest depigmentation or provide depigmentation of depigmented lesions.
Treatment options exist but many clinical challenges persist in the various patient populations. Not all patients respond to available therapies and relapse is common. NB-UVB therapy has emerged as a mainstay therapy for vitiligo, but requires patients to attend clinics 2-3 times a week for up to 18 months, presenting a treatment and cost burden.
The CUV102 study is ongoing across three centres (California, Michigan and New York) in the USA and is expected to be complete in early 2012. A parallel study (CUV101) is under way in Europe across three centres (France, Italy and Switzerland). The two studies, the first in Clinuvel’s INSPIRE (International SCENESSE®
Pilot Repigmentation Evaluation) program, will recruit between 80 and 120 patients in total. Interim results from both studies are expected to be announced in the middle of 2012.
– End –
1 The inaugural Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) Society subspecialty meeting was held at the 2011 EADV. Further details can be found at www.eadvlisbon2011.org.
SEE BELOW FOR PRESENTATION SLIDES
Appendix I: Slides presented at the MSH Society meeting, EADV 2011
Appendix II: About SCENESSE®
SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) is a first-in-class dermatological drug being developed solely by Clinuvel. The activeingredient in SCENESSE® is afamelanotide, a chemical analogue of ?-MSH which activates melanin in the skin and so shields the patient against UVR and sunlight. SCENESSE® is delivered as a subcutaneous, dissolving implant approximately the size of a rice grain.
About Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV; XETRA-DAX: UR9; ADR: CLVLY) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing drugs for the treatment of a range of severe skin disorders. With its unique expertise in understanding the interaction of light and human skin, the company has identified three groups of patients with a clinical need for photoprotection and another group with a need for repigmentation. These patient groups range in size from 10,000 to 45 million. Clinuvel’s lead compound, SCENESSE® (afamelanotide), a first-in-class drug targeting erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), is in Phase II and III trials in the US and Europe, and is expected to be filed before the end of 2011 for review by the European Medicines Agency. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Clinuvel has operations in Europe and the US. For further information please visit www.clinuvel.com
For more information contact:
Australia: Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited, T: +61 3 9660 4900
Europe: Clinuvel AG, T: +41 41 767 45 45
E: investorrelations@clinuvel.com
W: www.clinuvel.com
Clinuvel is an Australian biopharmaceutical company focussed on developing its photoprotective drug, SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) for a range of UV-related skin disorders resulting from exposure of
the skin to harmful UV radiation. Pharmaceutical research and development involves long lead times and significant risks. Therefore, while all reasonable efforts have been made by Clinuvel to ensure
that there is a reasonable basis for all statements made in this document that relate to prospective events or developments (forward-looking statements), investors should note the following:
- actual results may and often will differ materially from these forward-looking statements;
- no assurances can be given by Clinuvel that any stated objectives, outcomes or timeframes in respect of its development programme for SCENESSE® can or will be achieved;
- no assurances can be given by Clinuvel that, even if its development programme for SCENESSE® is successful, it will obtain regulatory approval for its pharmaceutical products or that such products, if approved for use, will be successful in the market place
Level 14 / 190 Queen Street T +61 3 9660 4900 www.clinuvel.com
Melbourne, Victoria 3000 F +61 3 9660 4999
Australia
Company Announcement
Friday 21st October 2011
Melbourne, Australia
First positive observations from Clinuvel’s US vitiligo trial
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV; XETRA-DAX: UR9; ADR: CLVLY) today announced that early
clinical observations from the company’s open label Phase II pilot trial (CUV102) of the novel drug
SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) were presented at the European
Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) meeting in Lisbon overnight.
Two clinical investigators from the CUV102 study – Dr Henry Lim, Chair of Dermatology at the Henry Ford
Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, and Dr Pearl E Grimes, Director of the Vitiligo and Pigmentation Institute of
Southern California and Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles – copresented
– during the MSH Society meeting1 at the EADV – their first observations from a cohort of 21
patients undergoing repigmentation treatment for NSV. Slides from this presentation have been appended.
Phase II study design – CUV102
Under the CUV102 protocol, 50% of the patients enrolled are undergoing repigmentation treatment with
narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy in combination with SCENESSE®, while the remaining 50% are
being treated with NB-UVB alone. Cases from both the SCENESSE® and control groups were presented and
discussed at the meeting.
The clinical objectives of the CUV102 trial are to determine whether SCENESSE® reduces the total dose of
radiation (NB-UVB) and the time required to reactivate skin pigment producing cells (melanocytes) in
vitiliginous lesions. NB-UVB clinically administered thrice per week over 18 months is considered the standard
of care in NSV to stimulate repigmentation in depigmented skin and prevent the progression of lesions, but it is
only partially effective as a standalone therapy.
Initial observations
Early observations in 21 patients showed that monthly dosing of afamelanotide (16mg implant) in combination
with NB-UVB has the capacity to achieve accelerated and deeper pigmentation of vitiliginous skin lesions. A
number of patients have required less NB-UVB dosing during the course of combination treatment.
These first findings support the scientific premise that melanocytes are able to adequately respond to
pharmaceutical therapy with melanisation of the skin in nonsegmental vitiligo. The majority of patients in this
first cohort were African-Americans and Hispanic patients (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) who have been
diagnosed with NSV within the last five years.
“Our early observations from Los Angeles and proof-of-concept data suggest that afamelanotide speeds up
the repigmentation of these patients,” Dr Grimes said. “In today’s presentation we discussed the pigmentary
response that is seen in patients in the days immediately after drug administration. However, definitive
answers as to the drug’s effectiveness can only be given after further results emerge and completion of this
study. If we were to identify a drug which assists the vitiligo patients in their repigmentary process it would be
an enormous advantage to patients worldwide.”
“The early clinical observations are promising, though we need more data to arrive at definitive conclusions,”
Dr Lim said. “It seems from these early observations that the drug increases the rate of repigmentation and
response time following narrow band UVB. During the continuation of this multi-centre study, we will analyse
which type of vitiligo repigments best with combined treatment and which anatomical areas respond the most.”
Nonsegmental vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disease in which there is a loss of melanin (pigment) production resulting in white or off-white
depigmented skin lesions on different parts of the body. Nonsegmental vitiligo, the most common subtype of
the disease, affects more than 45 million patients worldwide. This disorder may spread over time and cause
patients significant psychological and emotional distress. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it is
generally accepted that an autoimmune component may play a role in the disease.
Therapy for vitiligo is intended to arrest depigmentation or provide repigmentation of depigmented lesions.
Treatment options exist but many clinical challenges persist in the various patient populations. Not all patients
respond to available therapies and relapse is common. NB-UVB therapy has emerged as a mainstay therapy
for vitiligo, but requires patients to attend clinics 2-3 times a week for up to 18 months, presenting a treatment
and cost burden.
The CUV102 study is ongoing across three centres (California, Michigan and New York) in the USA and is
expected to be complete in early 2012. A parallel study (CUV101) is under way in Europe across three centres
(France, Italy and Switzerland). The two studies, the first in Clinuvel’s INSPIRE (International SCENESSE®
Pilot Repigmentation Evaluation) program, will recruit between 80 and 120 patients in total. Interim results
from both studies are expected to be announced in the middle of 2012.
– End –
1 The inaugural Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) Society subspecialty meeting was held at the 2011
EADV. Further details can be found at www.eadvlisbon2011.org.
SEE BELOW FOR PRESENTATION SLIDES
Appendix I: Slides presented at the MSH Society meeting, EADV 2011
Appendix II: About SCENESSE®
SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) is a first-in-class dermatological drug being developed solely by Clinuvel. The active
ingredient in SCENESSE® is afamelanotide, a chemical analogue of ?-MSH which activates melanin in the skin and so
shields the patient against UVR and sunlight. SCENESSE® is delivered as a subcutaneous, dissolving implant
approximately the size of a rice grain.
About Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV; XETRA-DAX: UR9; ADR: CLVLY) is a global biopharmaceutical company
focused on developing drugs for the treatment of a range of severe skin disorders. With its unique expertise in
understanding the interaction of light and human skin, the company has identified three groups of patients with a clinical
need for photoprotection and another group with a need for repigmentation. These patient groups range in size from
10,000 to 45 million. Clinuvel’s lead compound, SCENESSE® (afamelanotide), a first-in-class drug targeting
erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), is in Phase II and III trials in the US and Europe, and is expected to be filed before
the end of 2011 for review by the European Medicines Agency. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Clinuvel has operations in
Europe and the US. For further information please visit www.clinuvel.com
For more information contact:
Australia: Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited, T: +61 3 9660 4900
Europe: Clinuvel AG, T: +41 41 767 45 45
E: investorrelations@clinuvel.com
W: www.clinuvel.com
Clinuvel is an Australian biopharmaceutical company focussed on developing its photoprotective drug, SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) for a range of UV-related skin disorders resulting from exposure of
the skin to harmful UV radiation. Pharmaceutical research and development involves long lead times and significant risks. Therefore, while all reasonable efforts have been made by Clinuvel to ensure
that there is a reasonable basis for all statements made in this document that relate to prospective events or developments (forward-looking statements), investors should note the following:
· actual results may and often will differ materially from these forward-looking statements;
· no assurances can be given by Clinuvel that any stated objectives, outcomes or timeframes in respect of its development programme for SCENESSE® can or will be achieved;
· no assurances can be given by Clinuvel that, even if its development programme for SCENESSE® is successful, it will obtain regulatory approval for its pharmaceutical products or that such
products, if approved for use, will be successful in the market place
Level 14 / 190 Queen Street T +61 3 9660 4900 www.clinuvel.com
Melbourne, Victoria 3000 F +61 3 9660 4999
Australia
Company Announcement
Friday 21st October 2011
Melbourne, Australia
First positive observations from Clinuvel’s US vitiligo trial
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV; XETRA-DAX: UR9; ADR: CLVLY) today announced that early
clinical observations from the company’s open label Phase II pilot trial (CUV102) of the novel drug
SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) were presented at the European
Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) meeting in Lisbon overnight.
Two clinical investigators from the CUV102 study – Dr Henry Lim, Chair of Dermatology at the Henry Ford
Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, and Dr Pearl E Grimes, Director of the Vitiligo and Pigmentation Institute of
Southern California and Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles – copresented
– during the MSH Society meeting1 at the EADV – their first observations from a cohort of 21
patients undergoing repigmentation treatment for NSV. Slides from this presentation have been appended.
Phase II study design – CUV102
Under the CUV102 protocol, 50% of the patients enrolled are undergoing repigmentation treatment with
narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy in combination with SCENESSE®, while the remaining 50% are
being treated with NB-UVB alone. Cases from both the SCENESSE® and control groups were presented and
discussed at the meeting.
The clinical objectives of the CUV102 trial are to determine whether SCENESSE® reduces the total dose of
radiation (NB-UVB) and the time required to reactivate skin pigment producing cells (melanocytes) in
vitiliginous lesions. NB-UVB clinically administered thrice per week over 18 months is considered the standard
of care in NSV to stimulate repigmentation in depigmented skin and prevent the progression of lesions, but it is
only partially effective as a standalone therapy.
Initial observations
Early observations in 21 patients showed that monthly dosing of afamelanotide (16mg implant) in combination
with NB-UVB has the capacity to achieve accelerated and deeper pigmentation of vitiliginous skin lesions. A
number of patients have required less NB-UVB dosing during the course of combination treatment.
These first findings support the scientific premise that melanocytes are able to adequately respond to
pharmaceutical therapy with melanisation of the skin in nonsegmental vitiligo. The majority of patients in this
first cohort were African-Americans and Hispanic patients (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) who have been
diagnosed with NSV within the last five years.
“Our early observations from Los Angeles and proof-of-concept data suggest that afamelanotide speeds up
the repigmentation of these patients,” Dr Grimes said. “In today’s presentation we discussed the pigmentary
response that is seen in patients in the days immediately after drug administration. However, definitive
answers as to the drug’s effectiveness can only be given after further results emerge and completion of this
study. If we were to identify a drug which assists the vitiligo patients in their repigmentary process it would be
an enormous advantage to patients worldwide.”
“The early clinical observations are promising, though we need more data to arrive at definitive conclusions,”
Dr Lim said. “It seems from these early observations that the drug increases the rate of repigmentation and
response time following narrow band UVB. During the continuation of this multi-centre study, we will analyse
which type of vitiligo repigments best with combined treatment and which anatomical areas respond the most.”
Nonsegmental vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disease in which there is a loss of melanin (pigment) production resulting in white or off-white
depigmented skin lesions on different parts of the body. Nonsegmental vitiligo, the most common subtype of
the disease, affects more than 45 million patients worldwide. This disorder may spread over time and cause
patients significant psychological and emotional distress. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it is
generally accepted that an autoimmune component may play a role in the disease.
Therapy for vitiligo is intended to arrest depigmentation or provide repigmentation of depigmented lesions.
Treatment options exist but many clinical challenges persist in the various patient populations. Not all patients
respond to available therapies and relapse is common. NB-UVB therapy has emerged as a mainstay therapy
for vitiligo, but requires patients to attend clinics 2-3 times a week for up to 18 months, presenting a treatment
and cost burden.
The CUV102 study is ongoing across three centres (California, Michigan and New York) in the USA and is
expected to be complete in early 2012. A parallel study (CUV101) is under way in Europe across three centres
(France, Italy and Switzerland). The two studies, the first in Clinuvel’s INSPIRE (International SCENESSE®
Pilot Repigmentation Evaluation) program, will recruit between 80 and 120 patients in total. Interim results
from both studies are expected to be announced in the middle of 2012.
– End –
1 The inaugural Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) Society subspecialty meeting was held at the 2011
EADV. Further details can be found at www.eadvlisbon2011.org.
SEE BELOW FOR PRESENTATION SLIDES
Appendix I: Slides presented at the MSH Society meeting, EADV 2011
Appendix II: About SCENESSE®
SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) is a first-in-class dermatological drug being developed solely by Clinuvel. The active
ingredient in SCENESSE® is afamelanotide, a chemical analogue of ?-MSH which activates melanin in the skin and so
shields the patient against UVR and sunlight. SCENESSE® is delivered as a subcutaneous, dissolving implant
approximately the size of a rice grain.
About Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CUV; XETRA-DAX: UR9; ADR: CLVLY) is a global biopharmaceutical company
focused on developing drugs for the treatment of a range of severe skin disorders. With its unique expertise in
understanding the interaction of light and human skin, the company has identified three groups of patients with a clinical
need for photoprotection and another group with a need for repigmentation. These patient groups range in size from
10,000 to 45 million. Clinuvel’s lead compound, SCENESSE® (afamelanotide), a first-in-class drug targeting
erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), is in Phase II and III trials in the US and Europe, and is expected to be filed before
the end of 2011 for review by the European Medicines Agency. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Clinuvel has operations in
Europe and the US. For further information please visit www.clinuvel.com
For more information contact:
Australia: Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited, T: +61 3 9660 4900
Europe: Clinuvel AG, T: +41 41 767 45 45
E: investorrelations@clinuvel.com
W: www.clinuvel.com
Clinuvel is an Australian biopharmaceutical company focussed on developing its photoprotective drug, SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) for a range of UV-related skin disorders resulting from exposure of
the skin to harmful UV radiation. Pharmaceutical research and development involves long lead times and significant risks. Therefore, while all reasonable efforts have been made by Clinuvel to ensure
that there is a reasonable basis for all statements made in this document that relate to prospective events or developments (forward-looking statements), investors should note the following:
- · actual results may and often will differ materially from these forward-looking statements;
- · no assurances can be given by Clinuvel that any stated objectives, outcomes or timeframes in respect of its development programme for SCENESSE® can or will be achieved;
- · no assurances can be given by Clinuvel that, even if its development programme for SCENESSE® is successful, it will obtain regulatory approval for its pharmaceutical products or that such
products, if approved for use, will be successful in the market place
Level 14 / 190 Queen Street T +61 3 9660 4900 www.clinuvel.com
Melbourne, Victoria 3000 F +61 3 9660 4999
Australia
This is all great news that it is re pigmenting…
The eyes on the left though, seem to have re pigmented darker or is this normal and that it will eventually blend into her normal skin color?
Would anyone know?
Thanks so much to Natalie for taking the time to keep us all aware of what’s going on!!
This is all great news that it is re pigmenting…
The eyes on the left though, seem to have re pigmented darker or is this normal and that it will eventually blend into her normal skin color?
Would anyone know?
Thanks
I have one questions, I have myself done uvb treatment and it worked a little on my mouth and neck, but I did have to have some sort of glasses on my eyes so it wouldn’t get harmed from the light so my eyelids didn’t see any repigmentation, how did these people repigment there? Didn’t they have glasses to protect their eyes as I did or is there another way?
Would really want to get an answer on this one.
Regards