Thursday 23rd June 2011
Baar, Switzerland and Melbourne, Australia
Clinuvel records first A$1 million in sales
Successful first year of drug supply to erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patients under AIFA 648/96
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV; XETRA-DAX: UR9; ADR: CLVLY) today announced that it has made a successful start to its distribution of its new drug SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) to
the erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patient community in Italy.
First European distribution of SCENESSE®
Since commencing a special access 648/96 scheme 11 months ago SCENESSE® has been distributed to approximately 40
patients in Italy to treat EPP, a severe genetic disorder designated as an ‘orphan’ disease. Throughout the treatment
period all patients have been followed up by EPP specialists and, significantly, no serious drug-related adverse events
have been recorded. During this period the company recorded approximately A$1 million worth of sales. Clinuvel is
reimbursed for the drug by the Italian health system.
Clinuvel will continue to distribute SCENESSE® under the 648/96 scheme with the intention of expanding use of the
photoprotective drug among EPP patients.
Erythropoietic protoporphyria
EPP is characterised by severe phototoxicity of the skin resulting in intolerable pain, swelling, and scarring, usually
of the exposed areas such as the face, hands and feet. EPP patients are often forced to lead an indoors existence,
severely affecting their quality of life. Approximately 10,000 people are globally known to be affected by EPP, an
estimated 4,000 across Europe. Afamelanotide was granted orphan drug status in Europe and the US for EPP in 2008.
“I am delighted by these results, and we continue to monitor these patients who repeatedly receive the drug,” Clinuvel’s
Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Hank Agersborg said. “Our entire team is deeply affected and motivated by the numerous
reports from patients expressing how the drug is changing their existence and facilitates a pain free outdoor life.”
“It is now apparent that we have made the correct clinical and regulatory choices to set a precedent of how SCENESSE® is
best utilised clinically”, Dr Agersborg added.
“Despite this initial success, we remain vigilant in continuously analysing the effects of repeated dosing of the drug
and, most importantly, the safety of our patients,” Clinuvel’s CEO, Dr Philippe Wolgen said.
“The transition from research to initial revenue is significant in today’s markets. This earnings call five years after
starting the program is an additional benchmark for all who follow the Company’s evolution. I wish to publicly thank the
Italian physicians for their ongoing commitment to treating porphyria. ” Dr Wolgen added.
ENDS