News

Treatment for psoriasis also found to help with woman’s PCT

Cosentyx (secukinumab) — a treatment approved for a skin condition called psoriasis — successfully treated both that disorder and porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), the most common form of porphyria, in a 65-year-old woman, a case study shows. Subsequently stopping Cosentyx, which works by blocking the pro-inflammatory molecule IL-17, led…

Scenesse is now available under VA healthcare program in US

Clinuvel has been awarded a five-year contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to supply Scenesse (afamelanotide) for the treatment of adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). The implantable medication has been listed on the Federal Supply Schedule, a government-wide contract with commercial companies to provide…

Porphyria found in infant treated with UV light therapy for jaundice

An infant in Brazil who developed severe skin blistering after receiving a light-based therapy for jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, was found to have congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) after a thorough diagnostic workup. “In publishing this case report, we aimed to pediatricians’ knowledge regarding [CEP],” the researchers wrote.

PCT likely trigger of hereditary condition marked by iron overload

A 77-year-old man with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), the most common form of porphyria, was diagnosed with adult-onset hereditary hemochromatosis, a condition marked by iron overload that can be associated with PCT. He was successfully treated with antibiotic skin creams and regular therapeutic blood letting (phlebotomy) to remove excess…

Routine ER screenings may improve acute porphyria diagnosis

A screening program at emergency departments may help to more efficiently diagnose acute forms of porphyria, according to a recent study. “Screening for [acute porphyrias] in the [emergency department] is feasible and should be considered in all [emergency department] patients with (especially recurrent) abdominal pain of unclear origin,” the…