TAN WITHOUT THE SUN
It sounds too good to be true. A sunless suntan that protects you from the sun's harmful u-v rays, and it may be just around the corner.
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In just a few short years, you may not need the sun to get the perfect tan. These researchers have uncovered a group of molecules they say stimulate the cells that darken the skin.
Mac Hadley, Ph.D.
Endocrinologist
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
"Our product will stimulate the cells in your skin -- they're called melanocytes -- to make a natural pigment called melanin."
Thirty years ago, Doctor Mac Hadley realized he had discovered something special when he found the molecule that helps frogs change colors to avoid predators.
Mac Hadley, Ph.D.
"So, we patented our molecules with the idea that they might be useful in causing a human being to develop a tan."
This could mean the risk of skin cancer could be significantly lower.
Mac Hadley, Ph.D.
"The melanin forms right above the nucleus of the cell and forms a screen, a pigmentary screen, and now when the ultra violent light comes down, it's absorbed by the melanin, and therefore, not by the DNA."
So far, no significant side effects have been seen with the drug, but it may put a huge dent in the tanning booth business.
Mac Hadley, Ph.D.
"Either we're going to eliminate the tanning booth, or they're going to come along and use our molecule to help deliver and give you maybe the whole body tan."
Melanotan is in the final stages of testing in Australia and could become available within three years.
Interestingly, say researchers, the drug has also been looked at for erectile dysfunction. In a small study, 9 out of 10 men with erectile dysfunction were able to develop an erection while on the drug.
IT PALES IN COMPARISON TO MELANOTAN: The days of cooking under the sun to achieve that perfect tan may soon be over. Researchers from the University of Arizona have discovered melanotan, which is a small protein that stimulates darkening of the skin without sunlight. The initial discovery was made 10 years ago by endocrinologist Mac Hadley, Ph.D., and his team of researchers when melanotan was rubbed on a yellow mouse, turning its fur black. Conveniently, melanotan only affects the skin and not the hair of humans. Melanotan is being developed because of the risk of skin cancer. Approximately 1.3 million Americans each year are diagnosed with skin cancer, making it the most common form of cancer. Doctors say patients experience a decreased quality of life after being treated for the disease, complaining of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
HOW DOES IT WORK? The body naturally produces melanin pigments when the substance a-MSH (alph-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone) interacts with melanocyte cells in the skin. This takes place because of the exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight, with melanins acting as a barrier to the penetration of UV light. Both a-MSH and the synthetic a-MSH, melanotan, increase the melanin content of skin, resulting in tanning and added protection from UV rays. Melanotan is 1,000-times more active than a-MSH and has a longer duration in the body. Because it is not absorbed by the body's digestive tract, it is delivered through injection and not in pill form. However, EpiTan, the company developing and commercializing melanotan, is working on designing a more user-friendly and cost-effective method. The goal is to develop a time-release delivery formulation, which would require only one injection for up to six months. Reported side effects include facial flushing and upset stomach.
THE FUTURE OF TANNING: Melanotan is sure to increase the competition in the tanning business. It differs from tanning pills or tanning lotions in that it stimulates the body's own tanning mechanisms, giving people the same aesthetic appearance they would normally get from sun tanning. Melanotan does not wash off, fade, appear orange or require high levels of UV rays for its effectiveness. Researchers stress the importance of continued caution when outdoors in the sun. While higher levels of melanin will protect the body from UV rays, melanotan will not protect the body from the drying and aging effects of sun exposure. Additionally, the tanning drug should be used to complement the use of sunscreens and other protective measures. Clinical trials are ongoing with results expected to be available during the end of 2003. EpiTan will apply for approval of melanotan first in Australia, and within one year in Europe and the United States. It is currently anticipated that melanotan will be available by prescription in Australia around 2005.
EpiTan Limited
www.epitan.com.au
Copyright © 2004 Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc.
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