Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CUV) strengthened its supply chain, scaled up its North American infrastructure, and engaged more than 100 potential new specialty centers as part of commercial preparations for the North American vitiligo market, according to a Thursday filing with the Australian bourse.

The company is developing Scenesse as the first systemic, or total body, repigmentation therapy for vitiligo, a condition that causes the loss of skin color.

Scenesse adopts a different approach to treatment by targeting melanocortin receptors to stimulate the natural body process that creates pigments to color human skin, unlike JAK inhibitor therapies that suppress the immune system, the company said.

Extensive vitiligo, where more than 10% of the total body surface is affected by depigmentation, currently lacks an effective therapy, Clinuvel said, adding that prior studies of Scenesse in combination with the current standard of care showed significantly improved repigmentation compared to just standard of care monotherapy.

The company plans to release topline results from its first late-stage study of Scenesse in vitiligo in December.

Its shares fell 2% in recent Thursday trade.