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Afamelanotide

Generic Name
Afamelanotide
Brand Names
Scenesse
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C78H111N21O19
CAS Number
75921-69-6
Unique Ingredient Identifier
QW68W3J66U
Background

Afamelanotide is a first-in-class, synthetic, 13-amino acid peptide analogue of the endogenous alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It differs structurally from its endogenous counterpart by only two amino acids - these structural differences improve biological efficacy by imparting a greater affinity for its target and a longer biological half-life. Afamelanotide is currently the only approved drug therapy used in the management of erythropoietic protoporphyria, having received approval in the EU in December 2014 and subsequent FDA approval in October 2019. Despite its relatively recent approval, afamelanotide has been available for use as an orphan drug in both the US and EU since 2008.

Indication

Afamelanotide is indicated for the prevention of phototoxicity in adult patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Associated Conditions
Phototoxicity reaction
Clinical Trials
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