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Vitiligo Treatment Research Roundup: July to September 2024
Published October 3, 2024
If you’re wondering about the latest treatment research for vitiligo, you’re in the right place. In this article, we simplify the most important updates from recent treatment studies so you can stay informed. Whether you’re living with vitiligo or a healthcare provider treating patients, we’ve broken down the latest findings into two sections:
- Research Insights that improve our understanding of vitiligo.
- New drug and treatment advances that show promise for vitiligo.
In this edition, we cover the following studies:
- Phase III results for ruxolitinib cream in adolescents and adults.
- An early investigation into combining silymarin with hair follicle transplant.
- Phase III research into combining afamelanotide with phototherapy.
- Polyphenols and vitiligo treatment.
- Prostaglandin Analogues and PDE Inhibitors could be effective
Phase III results for ruxolitinib cream in adolescents and adults.
The results of two Phase III trials (TRuE-V1 and TRuE-V2) into ruxolitinib cream (Opzelura) were presented at Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) Annual Meeting. Held July 11 to July 14, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario. Opzelura is already approved by the FDA for eczema and vitiligo, but is currently in review for Canada.
During the placebo controlled studies ruxolitinib was applied twice daily and participants were observed as either adolescents and adults. Adolescents experienced quicker repigmentation by the 24 week mark, but at 52 weeks adults had mostly caught up.
By 52 weeks:
- 8% of participants saw complete repigmentation.
- 20% of participants reached 75% repigmentation.
- 12% of adolescents, and 4% of adults reached 90% repigmentation.
- 37.5% of adolescents and 27.9% of adults reached 50% repigmentation.
An early investigation into combining silymarin with hair follicle transplant.
A study published September 2024 evaluated the effectiveness of oral silymarin(an immune system modulator) in combination with hair follicle transplantation for treating refractory vitiligo. The study involved 20 participants, with 12 receiving the combination therapy and 10 receiving a placebo. The group who took the combination therapy saw significant repigmentation results compared to the placebo group.
The study was three-months long. Gender did not significantly affect outcomes, although males had slightly higher repigmentation levels. The study concluded that silymarin could be a promising addition to vitiligo treatments, especially in cases resistant to conventional therapies. The authors called for larger studies to confirm these findings and to explore topical formulations and dose optimization.
Phase III research into combining afamelanotide with phototherapy.
There is a Phase III study into afamelanotide (Scenesse) with phototherapy currently recruiting patients with vitiligo. Earlier trials have demonstrated both promising safety and significantly better repigmentation with the combination therapy compared to phototherapy alone.
Patients with darker skin tones saw greater results than those with moderately dark skin tones. If successful this could enhance phototherapy treatment for vitiligo going forward.
Polyphenols and vitiligo treatment.
A recent study from the Department of Dermatology at Guang’anmen Hospital in China explored the potential benefits of polyphenols in treating vitiligo. Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants, commonly part of our diet through fruits, vegetables, and teas.
The researchers found some evidence suggesting that polyphenols may help with repigmentation of the skin when combined with other therapies. Although the research is still in its early stages, the study highlights that patients treated with polyphenols alongside other treatments showed slightly better outcomes. However, the researchers stressed that more studies are needed to confirm whether polyphenols can play a reliable role in vitiligo treatment.
Prostaglandin Analogues and PDE Inhibitors could be effective.
Recent studies indicate that Prostaglandin Analogues (PGAs) and Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors (PDEIs) are showing promise for vitiligo; either on their own or in combination with other therapies. A recent review highlights that these treatments are outperforming traditional options like topical steroids or phototherapy in certain cases. PGAs demonstrated success in repigmenting areas around the face, neck, and scalp. Side effects such as localized hair growth and redness were reported.
PDEIs have also been found effective, particularly when combined with narrowband UVB therapy. Results were more variable, with some patients experiencing side effects like gut discomfort and headaches. More research is required through larger-scale clinical trials to establish long-term efficacy and safety. Despite some limitations, both PGAs and PDEIs offer promising options, particularly for patients who have not responded to other therapies.
That’s all for developments from the third quarter of 2024.
With continued research and innovation, we can anticipate more breakthroughs in this area, offering increased hope for repigmentation and a better quality of life for those living with vitiligo.
Further Reading
Join a Clinical Trial for Vitiligo in Barrie
We are recruiting patients for vitiligo clinical trials. If your vitiligo has resisted normal treatment you may be eligible to participate in a study of a new treatment. You could find a treatment that works for you and you could help develop better options for others who have vitiligo.
SimcoDerm is a full service, comprehensive dermatology clinic located in Barrie. We provide our services to all the patients in Simcoe County and beyond.
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