Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals is engaging with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to advocate for an increase in the recommended maximum annual dosage of SCENESSE (afamelanotide 16mg) for patients suffering from erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). The proposal seeks to raise the dosage from the current four to a maximum of six doses per year. This adjustment would harmonize European treatment guidelines with those already in place in the United States and other regions, potentially enabling year-round treatment for EPP patients.
EPP is a rare, inherited condition characterized by extreme sensitivity to sunlight and certain artificial lights. This sensitivity leads to phototoxic reactions, causing severe pain, burning sensations, and swelling, even after minimal exposure. These reactions significantly impair the quality of life for affected individuals, limiting their ability to engage in normal daily activities. SCENESSE, administered as a bioresorbable implant, provides photoprotection, reducing both the incidence and severity of these debilitating reactions.
Supporting Evidence and Safety Profile
Clinuvel's submission to the EMA is underpinned by robust clinical and real-world evidence, demonstrating that increasing the dosage of SCENESSE does not alter its established safety profile. According to Dr. Dennis Wright, Clinuvel’s Chief Scientific Officer, "Over 16,000 doses of SCENESSE have been administered globally. The evidence supports harmonising European dosage, ensuring consistency in treatment options worldwide."
The EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee is anticipated to announce its decision on the proposed dosage adjustment in the first quarter of 2025. If approved, this change would represent a significant advancement in the management of EPP in Europe.
Potential Impact on Patients
The harmonization of dosage guidelines would allow for more consistent and effective photoprotection throughout the year, potentially improving the quality of life for EPP patients. By aligning European guidelines with those in other regions, Clinuvel aims to provide clinicians with the flexibility to tailor treatment regimens to individual patient needs, optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
