epitan.com.au
finance.yahoo.com
(OTC symbol is EPTNF)
Corporate Profile
EpiTan Limited is a Melbourne-based specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on niche prescription dermatology products. Its leading drug candidate Melanotan stimulates the body to make melanin, the dark pigment of a tan which is known to protect the body from skin damage as a result of exposure to ultra-violet (UV) radiation. UV radiation damage can cause sunburn which is a known prime cause of skin cancer. Simply, Melanotan induces a protective tan without the need to expose the skin to harmful levels of UV radiation.
EpiTan recently acquired three products - Linotar (eczema) , Exorex (psoriasis) and Zindaclin (acne) - and is currently evalutating the acquisition or in-licensing of other dermatology-based products to add to its portfolio.
About Melanotan
Melanotan has completed a Phase II clinical trial in Australia that demonstrated the drug increases melanin content by up to 100% and reduces sunburn injury by up to 50% in fair-skinned volunteers. This represents a significant breakthrough for people most at risk of sunburn injury and potentially skin cancer. Melanotan will now undergo clinical studies in Europe and the USA. These trials will assess its potential both as a preventative to reduce the effects of UV damage and as a therapy for UV-associated skin disorders such as polymorphous light eruption (PMLE).
Melanotan has a number of delivery formulations in development. The most advanced as regards clinical trial progress is a user-friendly and biodegradable sustained-release implant, administered by a single injection. In addition, testing of a selection of transdermal formulations is in various stages of progress.
An independent report commissioned by the company identified three potentially lucrative markets for Melanotan. Firstly, the prophylactic market which includes those populations that do not tan well and seek additional protection from UV damage. Secondly, the therapeutic market consisting of patients with UV-associated skin diseases or disorders for which Melanotan may provide a clinical benefit and, finally, the cosmetic market comprising those people who want a tan, but not specifically for health reasons. |
