CHMP recomends Scenesse for treatment of Erythropoietic Protoporphyria - Clinuvel
On 23 October 2014, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion, recommending the granting of a marketing authorisation for the medicinal product Scenesse, 16 mg, implant, intended for the prevention of phototoxicity in adult patients with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP). Scenesse was designated as an orphan medicinal product on 8 May 2008. The applicant for this medicinal product is Clinuvel UK Limited.
Scenesse acts by increasing the levels of melanin in the skin; and shields against UV radiation (UVR) and sunlight. Scenesse is delivered via a subcutaneous dissolving implant approximately the size of a grain of rice. Increased pigmentation of the skin appears after two days and lasts up to two months.Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (alpha-MSH) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone which is released by skin cells in response to the stimulation by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Alpha-MSH has a very short half life (seconds) in the blood stream, sufficient to reach and stimulate other skin cells (melanocytes) which in turn produce and release melanin, a dark brown pigment. Melanin is known for its photoprotective effect.
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