Ruxolitinib

Topical Ruxolitinib Evaluation in Vitiligo Study 1 (TRuE-V1)

Topical Ruxolitinib Evaluation in Vitiligo Study 2 (TRuE-V2) 

See May 17, 2021 Press Release 

Afamelanotide

This is an implanted drug that works by stimulating melanocytes to generate pigment, or melanin. Although clinical trials have been completed, this medicine is not yet accessible on the market. Please see the link below for further information on this trial.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25230094

 JAK Inhibitors 

This class of medication blocks the JAK pathway, which is responsible for T cells migrating to the skin and destroying melanocytes. There are currently two published case reports where these medications induced repigmentation in patients with vitiligo. However, no large clinical trials have been performed and this medication is currently not covered by insurance. For more information on the published case reports, please click the links below:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=tofacitinib+vitiligo

Corticosteroids 

Steroids reduce the amount of T cells in the body and have anti-inflammatory actions. These are the cells that destroy the pigment-producing cells, known as melanocytes. Oral steroids are frequently used to assist prevent disease progression and are administered either as pulse dose (a few days a week) or as regular dosing. They’re frequently used in conjunction with other therapies, such as light therapy. Please see the following websites for more information on the usage of oral steroids in vitiligo:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23815959

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18797057

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16681662

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8225724

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10440289