SurModics Inc (SRDX)

[Democritus_of_Abdera]

Clinuvel PLE

Brookwood’s website identifies the Clinuvel PLE Implant as the partnered drug delivery product closest to market (see: http://www.brookwoodpharma.com/pipeline.html ).

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (formally EpiTan Ltd of Austalia) has been mentioned on iHub before (see #msg-20958741 for websites). The company’s primary focus is upon clinical applications of CUV1647, aka Melanotan or MCI.

Clinuvel has UK MHRA approval to begin phase III trials using CUV1647 for Polymorphous Light Eruption (PLE) and for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP). It is exploring the value of CUV1647 in mitigating the side effects of photodynamic therapy (see: http://www.clinuvel.com.au/IRM/Company/ShowPage.aspx?CPID=1414 ).

MelanoTan is a synthetic melanocortin analog with much longer half-life than MSH. (see: Hadley ME, Dorr RT. (2006). Peptides 27(4):921). It’s effects are notable in that there is augmentation of melanogenesis (pigmentation) in people with extremely light skin; i.e. those who are most susceptible to sunburn (see: Barnetson et al., (2006). J Inv Derm 126:1869).

MelanoTan has a reputation in the popular press of being a Barbie Drug that induces a tan and increases sexual libido (see: http://archives.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/08/06/gupta.new.viagra.otsc/index.html ). Actually, it is the closely related MelanoTan II that causes an increased libido. MelanoTan II is being developed by Palatin Technologies, Inc under the name Bremelanotide ( http://www.palatin.com/ ).