Melagenina. An analysis of published and other available data.
The placenta should be an excellent source of factors which might be efficacious in the treatment of vitiligo. Proof, however, for that hypothesis is lacking. Numerous claims have been made about Melagenina. It would appear to be nontoxic if we were to assume that the medication does not contain infectious agents. The ease of application certainly is of value for patients with vitiligo who wish to try some therapy for their disease. Practically, it is very costly to travel to Cuba and to export Melagenina. The cost of shipping on airplanes plus import duties make the price very high. Unfortunately, the inconvenience of the travel and the costs cannot necessarily be offset by the claims to efficacy. The biochemistry, assays for biological activity and the pharmacology studies as reported do not stand up to rigorous and acceptable scientific standards. The medication clearly needs further and intensive study. Now that the barriers between countries are being dismantled, it is hoped that the Cuban team will be able to travel to other laboratories outside of Cuba where they can continue animal studies as well as studies on melanocytes growing in culture. In addition, it is hoped that they will be able to share more about the pharmacology, the chemistry, the isolation and other chemical properties of the medication. These results can be published and will stand up to scrutiny by the world's medical and scientific community. Until that time, patients and their physicians must recognize the uncertain quality of the claims as well as the high financial cost and potential risk of using Melagenina either within or outside of Cuba.