Why the CLINUVEL (ASX:CUV) share price is shooting higher

Here's why the CLINUVEL Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV) share price is shooting higher on Thursday morning…

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The CLINUVEL Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV) share price has been a very strong performer on Thursday.

In morning trade the biopharmaceutical company's shares are up 5.5% to $20.80.

Why is the CLINUVEL share price storming higher?

Investors have been buying CLINUVEL's shares after it announced plans to expand its SCENESSE drug (afamelanotide 16mg) to treat the disease xeroderma pigmentosum (XP).

XP is rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in 1 million in the United States and Europe. Sufferers have the most extreme deficiencies in their DNA repair processes, leading to a 10,000-fold increase in their risk of skin cancer. There is no known cure for XP at present.

Having commercialised SCENESSE in Europe and the USA for the rare genetic disorder Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP), CLINUVEL is now aiming to confirm how intervention with the drug enhances elimination of photoproducts and regeneration of DNA.

CLINUVEL's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Dennis Wright, commented "In SCENESSE we have a hormone acting on various organs and receptors, but most of all known to protect human DNA. Our task is to confirm how DNA regeneration occurs within genetically affected patients and healthy subjects."

"Tragically, XP provides an extreme model of what happens to our skin if UV-induced damage is left unrepaired. From a young age, XP patients are incapable of responding to DNA damage caused by UV exposure and experience disfiguring and aggressive skin cancers."

"After two decades of clinical research, I'm delighted that our team can now focus on the XP patients who are severely affected by UV radiation leaving them a short life expectancy. We will facilitate treatment for the first patient in the next few weeks," Dr Wright said.

The company advised that the first clinical results from the DNA repair program are expected to be reported in 2021.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 50% to 60%

Brokers believe these shares could deliver big returns for investors.

Read more »

A girl is handed an oversized ice cream cone with lots of different flavours.
Best Shares

8 ASX All Ords shares that tripled in value in FY25

Just 8 out of the 500 companies making up the ASX All Ords achieved share price growth of 200% or…

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

Woman with a scared look has hands on her face.
Broker Notes

Bapcor shares fell more than 30% yesterday. Should investors buy in the dip?

Is this a value opportunity?

Read more »

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Broker Notes

Broker raises price targets on 2 ASX 200 shares to buy

Ord Minnett has just upped its 12-month share price targets on 2 buy-rated ASX 200 stocks.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX All Ords stock just rocketed 34% on strong earnings growth

Investors just sent this ASX All Ords stock surging 34%. Here’s what’s happening.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why DroneShield, Gentrack, Metals X, and Northern Star shares are tumbling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Gainers

Why Dimerix, Newmont, Regal Partners, and Titomic shares are storming higher

These shares are having a good finish to the week. Let's see why.

Read more »