Suntan Drug Greenlighted for Trials

What is wrong with white people!?!  This needs to filed under creepy and weird.  I know that it has a practical medical application, but come on!  It reminds me of that South Park episode where Kyle gets a “negroplasty” to make himself black and taller.

Wired Magazine explores this weirdness:

A drug that stimulates the body’s tanning response — turning pasty skin caramel for up to two months  — has been approved for human trials, but not for tanning.

Although the drug will not be available for cosmetic purposes any time soon, similar compounds are already being widely abused on the pharmaceutical black market. The official product, a man made hormone called afamelanotide, has received U.S. government approval to begin clinical trials.

“It’s a bioabsorbable implant that you just inject into the skin,” said Colin Mackie, director of business development for Clinuvel, the company bringing the drug to the U.S. “It stimulates melanin production.”

Melanin is the body’s natural pigment. It’s responsible for the color of skin and protects humans from harmful solar radiation. The drug will be tested as a treatment for patients who face serious danger from the sun’s rays, like those with rare genetic diseases or who must take immunosuppressants, Mackie said.

But online retailers already offer a similar (but not identical) compound under a more descriptive brand name, Melanotan II, which American and British health officials warn are already being abused.

“Using it could be dangerous to short and long-term health,” British health officials said in November.  It has not been tested for safety, quality or effectiveness and we don’t know the potential side effects yet.”

This is great– people are already abusing this stuff.  Can’t feed millions of people on the planet, skyrocketing unemployment, wars in the name of religion rage on– “But hey, check out my chemically induced tan!”

Recent British media reports indicate widespread use of the compound. Purportedly, the drug is ordered online and comes in a white powder that is mixed with sterile water. That combination is injected into the abdomen.

One woman told the Daily Mail that she intended to keep using the injections despite their unknown provenance and possible side-effects.

“At first, injecting myself in my tummy seemed strange, but now I don’t even think about it — the needle is so fine I hardly feel it,” she said. “And I am so pleased with the results that despite the adverse publicity I’m going to continue with them.”

Once again folks, “They” don’t hate us for our freedom.  “They” hate us for goofy instant gratification crap like this.  People you have to “work” on your tans.  Not get an injection and BAM!  Work at it and you too can be the next George Hamilton.  Maybe.