The Photomedicine Foundation
Having established itself as the world leader in photomedicine – understanding the interaction of light and human biology – CLINUVEL has continuously supported the patient, academic, clinical and research communities intersecting with our work. As part of the Company’s growth, CLINUVEL’s management and Board have, for a long time, supported the plans to formalise this work through a charitable foundation. In FY2024, these plans have crystallised, with the Photomedicine Foundation established as a private foundation in California.
The Photomedicine Foundation has three overarching objectives, to:
- Support individuals most severely affected by ultraviolet and visible light through access to equipment, medical care, treatments, or other means to improve individuals’ health;
- Improve awareness of, and research towards, diseases affected by ultraviolet and visible light; and
- Promote leadership in photomedicine by supporting projects focused on knowledge sharing, professional trainings, and development.
Initial work is being focused on supporting three key projects across the globe. The first is working to provide photoprotective products and equipment to patients with xeroderma pigmentosum and albinism in Africa, the Middle East and South America. Having engaged with physicians and patient communities in each of these regions, CLINUVEL’s teams have recognised the unique challenges of acquiring suitable photoprotection and the Foundation will work to overcome these hurdles. Initial test shipments of CYACÊLLE polychromatic screens have been well received, while the Foundation will aim to work with existing formal and informal networks to widen resource access.
The second project will work with leading global photodermatologists to facilitate access to teledermatology clinics to enable world-class consultancy access. Teledermatology has been largely pioneered from Europe and Australia – such as providing skin cancer consultation support to isolated communities in the Australian outback – and the diagnostic and treatment tools well established for photomedicine. As access to mobile internet and videoconferencing increases in remote communities, the Foundation will work to enable greater access to teledermatological services.
Finally, the Foundation will support work – both ongoing and new – to establish global patient registries relevant to photomedicine. Registries have the ability to connect researchers and patients, expediting research and spurring innovation.
The work of the Photomedicine Foundation will be supported through a donation of 5% of the net proceeds of sales of CLINUVEL’s PhotoCosmetic lines, as well as with in-kind and practical support from CLINUVEL’s teams.
CLINUVEL’s investor briefings have, in part, focused on the potential of the Photomedicine Foundation to assist many individuals worldwide. As a result, the Foundation has quickly garnered support from many of the Company’s stakeholders, with the following agreeing in principle to act as trustees: Dr Daudi Mavura of the Regional Dermatology Training Center in Moshi, Tanzania; Ms Perla Azouri, a Monaco-based entrepreneur and philanthropist; and Mr Michael Polansky, a Silicon Valley based entrepreneur and head of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.