Afamelanotide for prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria.

This article aims to review afamelanotide. AREAS COVERED: : This review summarizes the chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, safety, preclinical and clinical data on afamelanotide in EPP,and post-marketing surveillance. PubMed search, manufacturers' websites and relevant articles used for approval by authorities were used for the literature search. EXPERT OPINION: Afamelanotide is an α-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue. It can activate eumelanogenesis without exposure to UV radiation. Clinical studies in EPP showed that afamelanotide treatment significantly increased exposure to sunlight and QoL. In our clinical experience afamelanotide treatment is much more effective in clinical practice than demonstrated in clinical trials and should be made available for all EPP patients meeting inclusion-criteria. The 60-day interval period was not based on effectiveness studies, and therefor for some of the patients the maximum of four implants per year with the 60-day interval is insufficient. Afamelanotide is well tolerated; common adverse events were headache, fatigue and nausea. PMID: 33507118 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol Source Type: research