Adjunctive use of Polypodium leucotomos extract in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria: An exploratory study

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) cause severe photosensitivity, resulting in significant quality of life (QoL) impairment. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) as an adjunctive therapy in patients with persistent symptoms despite standard dosing of afamelanotide. In this prospective single-center cohort study, eight adults with confirmed EPP or XLP and ongoing symptoms despite regular afamelanotide implants every 2 months were enrolled. Participants received 480 mg oral PLE daily for 4 months. QoL and symptom severity were measured using questionnaires at baseline, Day 60, and Day 120. Six participants completed the study. Statistically significant improvements in QoL were observed on Day 60 (p = 0.014), but not at Day 120 (p = 0.152). Half of participants reported reduced reaction severity. No adverse events occurred. Adjunctive PLE improved short-term QoL in participants with incomplete symptom control on afamelanotide alone and was well tolerated. Larger studies are warranted.