Clinuvel Gets Positive Phase III Scenesse Results

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals achieved positive results from a Phase III trial of Scenesse in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), showing that the drug has the ability to reduce and prevent painful phototoxic reactions. EPP is characterized by intolerable pain associated with skin burns, blisters and scars when exposed to normal levels of light and sun. It is estimated that 10,000 individuals worldwide are afflicted with EPP.

Results from the study showed that Scenesse treatment significantly reduced the average daily pain severity scores experienced by EPP patients compared to placebo. Further results suggested that treatment with Scenesse allowed patients to expose their skin to sunlight and spend more time outdoors. Scenesse was well tolerated with no serious safety issues identified.

“We have shown mathematically what we already learned from anecdotal reports from our clinics. Scenesse has great potential to help those patients with a genuine medical need for protection from UV and light,” said Dr. Hank Agersborg, Clinuvel’s chief scientific officer. “Perhaps more importantly, we have again seen that the drug is safe for these patients longer-term.”