Study summary · research use only
Afamelanotide in protoporphyria and other skin diseases: a review
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review discusses afamelanotide, a synthetic alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone that binds the melanocortin-1 receptor and enhances eumelanin production, in the context of skin diseases in humans. Since 2016, afamelanotide has been used to treat erythropoietic porphyria (EPP), a condition involving painful photosensitivity from early childhood. The review reports that subcutaneously administered afamelanotide was associated with improved tolerance to artificial white light and increased pain-free time in direct sunlight among EPP patients. The authors summarize possible uses of afamelanotide in dermatology, with emphasis on EPP, and discuss it as a treatment option in patient care.
Abstract
Afamelanotide is a synthetic alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone presenting a higher activity than natural hormones. Its main properties are related to the enhanced production of eumelanin by agonistically binding to the melanocortin-1 receptor. Since 2016 afamelanotide has been especially applied to treat cases of erythropoietic porphyria (EPP), where painful photosensitivity has been observed since early childhood. The positive effect of afamelanotide in EPP administered subcutaneously improved tolerance to artificial white light and increased pain-free time spent in direct sunlight. In this review we summarize the possible use of afamelanotide in dermatology, with special emphasis on EPP and encourage including afamelanotide as a treatment option in patient care.
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