Afamelanotide and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Phototherapy in the Treatment of Nonsegmental Vitiligo (NSV)
brief summary
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of afamelanotide, when combined with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo. Afamelanotide is expected to increase the rate of the repigmentation induced by NB-UVB, leading to a reduced frequency and dose of NB-UVB.
detailed description
Vitiligo is the most common depigmentation disorder. A commonly used treatment is phototherapy with narrow-band ultraviolet B irradiation (NB-UVB). Further therapeutic approaches are desired and currently being evaluated. The investigational product, afamelanotide, is a synthetic analogue of the human alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Afamelanotide activates melanin in skin, with the controlled-release injectable implant formulation having an affect across the total body surface area (pandermally). Earlier studies in vitiligo patients showed afamelanotide, in combination with NB-UVB, could induce faster and deeper repigmentation in patients compared to NB-UVB alone.
official title
A Two-Arm, Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase IIb Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous, Bioresorbable Afamelanotide Implants Plus Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Light Source With Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Light Source in the Treatment of Nonsegmental Vitiligo AND A Single-Arm, Open Label, Phase IIb Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous, Bioresorbable Afamelanotide Implants Plus Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Light Source in the Treatment of Nonsegmental Vitiligo