Drug implant that protects against skin cancer
By ANISaturday, December 19, 2009
MELBOURNE - UK health chiefs have approved a drug implant that protects against skin cancer.
Known as Afamelanotide, it prevents the disease in fair-skinned people and lasts for two months, and avoids recurrence.
The implant is the size of a rice grain and is inserted in a person’s “love handles” - fat at the sides of the midriff, reports the Daily Telegraph.
It works by mimicking body’s natural defenses against harmful light and UV radiation.
It uses the power of the dark pigment eumelanin, which protects skin cells.
While US has approved the drug, it is still undergoing trials in Australia.
However, medics have warned it is a potent medicine and should not to be used for cosmetic purposes. (ANI)
December 19, 2009: 7:02 am
This is a new discovery that make people happy. Sometimes, i just feel that skin cancer cannot be prevented. However, we can lessen ourselves from the sun exposure to decrease the risk of getting skin cancer. Thanks for sharing! |
melanotan & afamelanotide |
December 19, 2009: 3:49 am
Clinuvel has not received market authorization for melanotan-1 (generic name “afamelanotide”) in any country. The original news report covered here was an example of very sloppy journalism. |
Kok Siong Chen