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CLINUVEL starts preclinical study of new peptide platform VLRX-L

Written by Brie CarterPublished Jan. 12 2026Last Updated Jan. 12 2026

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CLINUVEL Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CUV) has begun dosing in a preclinical study of its controlled-release injectable peptide platform, VLRX-L, designed to regulate the release of peptides, including the company's melanocortin-based therapies, via a flexible liquid formulation.

The study, focusing on safety and pharmacokinetics, aims to assess the reproducibility and controlled-release profile of VLRX-L candidates using in vitro models.

VLRX-L marks the first novel platform emerging from CLINUVEL's Research, Development & Innovation Centre at VALLAURIX in Singapore, following over a decade of R&D in peptides, polymers, and controlled-release delivery systems.

The company plans to advance a range of platform approaches at the Centre, with preclinical results expected in the second half of 2026.

In December 2025, CLINUVEL expanded the VALLAURIX RD&I Centre to focus on injectable controlled-release formulations, supported by a five-year investment from the Singapore Economic Development Board, which includes increased staffing and upgraded facilities to enhance formulation and analytical capabilities.

"Through extensive preliminary work, we have developed a VLRX-L candidate platform that has shown encouraging and reproducible in vitro results," said Dr. Dennis Wright, CLINUVEL’s Chief Scientific Officer.

"The next step is to test the platform in vivo to evaluate its therapeutic potential. If successful in 2026, we will explore pathways to scale up and commercialise the technology, aiming to expand our pipeline with our own IP."