Please note that the statement, “A new drug developed in Australia” in the above video is only partially true. Melanotan-1 (NDP-MSH) was first synthesized by researchers at the University of Arizona. A paper of experiments first performed in Arizona with a controlled release formulation along the lines that Clinuvel has for the drug was first published by Bhardwaj R and Blanchard J in 1996: Controlled-release delivery system for the alpha-MSH analog melanotan-I using poloxamer 407.
A paper describing experiments using the exact same poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) implant formulation of Clinuvel’s implant was published in 1998: In vitro characterization and in vivo release profile of a poly ( D, L -lactide-co-glycolide)-based implant delivery system for the α-MSH analog, melanotan-I
and another in 2000: Pharmacologic Response of a Controlled-Release PLGA Formulation for the Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Analog, Melanotan-I
more info: Melanotan.org – afamelanotide
