SCENESSE® for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria

What is SCENESSE^®?

SCENESSE^® is a prescription medication that contains the active substance afamelanotide. Afamelanotide is used to increase tolerance to the sun and light in adults with a confirmed diagnosis of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). EPP is a condition in which patients have an increased sensitivity to sunlight and artificial light sources.

How does SCENESSE^® work?

SCENESSE^® (pronounced “sen-esse”) acts by increasing the levels of eumelanin in the skin, shielding against UV radiation (UVR) and visible light, including sunlight.

Afamelanotide is a synthetic form of a hormone called alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Afamelanotide works in a way similar to the natural hormone, by making skin cells produce eumelanin which is a brown-black type of melanin pigment in the skin. By increasing the amount of eumelanin and acting as an antioxidant, SCENESSE^® can help to reduce the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and artificial UV light sources.

What are the ingredients in SCENESSE^®?

Active ingredient: afamelanotide (16mg)

Inactive ingredient: Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide), a bioresorbable polymer

How is SCENESSE^® administered?

SCENESSE^® implant is given subcutaneously by a trained health care professional.

The implant is injected under your skin using a cannula and stylet (obturator).

Before inserting the implant, your doctor may decide to give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the implant is to be inserted. The implant is inserted directly into the fatty area above your hip, known as the supra-iliac crest.

At the end of the insertion procedure, you may be able to feel the implant under your skin. Over time the implant will dissolve and be absorbed by the body, this will happen within 50 to 60 days after implantation.

A single SCENESSE^® implant is administered every 2 months.

Visit www.scenesse.com for additional information.