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Clinical Trials for Vitiligo: Current Research and Opportunities

Vitiligo is a skin condition where patches of skin lose their color due to the destruction of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Currently, there are 14 ongoing clinical trials testing various treatments for vitiligo, including oral medications, topical creams, and light therapy combinations. These studies are taking place across Europe in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and several others, offering opportunities for adults and adolescents with different forms of vitiligo to participate in research aimed at restoring skin pigmentation.

Clinical trial locations

Study on Anifrolumab and Phototherapy for Adults with Progressive Vitiligo

This French study is testing a combination approach for treating progressive non-segmental vitiligo. Participants must be adults aged 18-65 with active disease affecting more than 5% of their body surface area.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must have non-segmental vitiligo that has been active in the past 6 months, confirmed by Wood’s lamp examination. They must weigh at least 40 kg and be willing to stop other treatments for at least 2-4 weeks before starting the study.

Main exclusion criteria: Patients with non-segmental vitiligo affecting more than 5% of their body cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The study evaluates the effectiveness of combining anifrolumab, an intravenous medication given every four weeks, with narrowband UVB phototherapy administered twice weekly. The main goal is to measure skin repigmentation over 36 weeks using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index. Regular clinical and biological examinations will monitor safety and tolerability throughout the study.

Investigational drug: Anifrolumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks type I interferons, proteins involved in inflammation. It is administered through an IV infusion every four weeks and is being studied in combination with UVB light therapy to see if it can improve skin repigmentation outcomes.

Study on Methotrexate and Phototherapy for Adults with Progressive Vitiligo

This French trial examines whether adding methotrexate to phototherapy can improve treatment outcomes for adults with progressive vitiligo. The study lasts approximately eight months.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be adults over 18 with non-segmental vitiligo covering at least 10% of their body surface area. The condition must be active, with new or expanding patches confirmed by Wood’s lamp examination within the last 6 months. Both men and women must agree to use reliable contraception during the study and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

Main exclusion criteria: Patients with active vitiligo showing new spots or worsening in the last 6 months cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The study compares methotrexate (15 mg weekly by mouth) combined with UVB TL01 phototherapy against phototherapy alone. Researchers will measure repigmentation using the VASI score at 4 and 8 months, along with assessments of quality of life and inflammatory markers through blood and skin samples.

Investigational drugs: Methotrexate is an oral medication taken weekly that slows the growth of certain cells and may help reduce disease spread while promoting skin repigmentation. It is used alongside narrowband UVB phototherapy, which exposes the skin to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light to stimulate pigment cells.

Study on the Safety and Effectiveness of Ritlecitinib in Adults and Adolescents with Nonsegmental Vitiligo

This study, conducted across Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, Italy, and Spain, evaluates the long-term safety of ritlecitinib in adults and adolescents with nonsegmental vitiligo who previously participated in clinical trials.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be 18 years or older, or adolescents aged 12-17 where locally approved. They must have completed 52 weeks of treatment in a previous vitiligo study and agree to avoid other treatments during the trial. The first dose must be taken within 30 days of completing the previous study.

Main exclusion criteria: Participants with types of vitiligo other than non-segmental vitiligo, those unable to follow study procedures, anyone with medical conditions that might interfere, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those taking medications that could interfere with the study treatment cannot participate.

Treatment focus: This long-term extension study monitors participants taking ritlecitinib tosilate capsules at doses of 50 mg or 100 mg once daily. The study evaluates safety, tolerability, and continued effectiveness by measuring improvements in vitiligo using the Total Vitiligo Area Scoring Index and Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index at regular intervals.

Investigational drug: Ritlecitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor medication taken as capsules. It works by targeting specific immune system pathways that may be involved in vitiligo development, helping to restore skin color over time.

Long-term safety study of oral povorcitinib in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, prurigo nodularis, or vitiligo who previously participated in clinical trials

This multicenter study across 13 European countries evaluates the long-term safety of povorcitinib for patients with various skin conditions, including vitiligo, who previously participated in clinical trials and benefited from treatment.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be 12 years or older, have completed a previous povorcitinib study without safety concerns, experienced positive results from the previous treatment, and be willing to use appropriate birth control methods. They must be able to follow all study procedures and attend scheduled visits.

Main exclusion criteria: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those under 18 years of age, individuals with active infections including tuberculosis, anyone with cancer in the past 5 years (except certain skin cancers), those with serious heart conditions or uncontrolled high blood pressure, people with severe liver or kidney disease, individuals with blood disorders, and those unable to follow study procedures cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The study continues treatment with oral povorcitinib tablets for up to 36 months. For patients with vitiligo, researchers will measure changes in affected areas using specific assessment tools (F-VASI and T-VASI) at each visit. Regular monitoring ensures long-term safety and tracks any side effects that may occur with extended use.

Investigational drug: Povorcitinib is a JAK inhibitor taken orally in tablet form. It works by modulating the immune system response at the molecular level, blocking specific signaling pathways involved in inflammation and potentially helping restore skin pigmentation in vitiligo.

Study of Ritlecitinib Combined with Narrow Band UVB Light Therapy Compared to Ritlecitinib Alone in Adults with Vitiligo

This French study compares the effectiveness of ritlecitinib used alone versus ritlecitinib combined with narrowband UVB light therapy for treating vitiligo in adults.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be 18 years or older with non-segmental vitiligo affecting 4-60% of body surface area and at least 0.5% of the face. They must have minimum scores of 0.5 on F-VASI and 3 on T-VASI, and the condition must be both active and stable. Women of childbearing potential must use effective birth control for at least one month before joining and have a negative pregnancy test.

Main exclusion criteria: Individuals under 12 years of age, anyone who has had phototherapy within 30 days, people using topical treatments in the past 2 weeks, those with a history of skin cancer, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with severe autoimmune conditions, individuals who participated in another trial within 30 days, those with known allergies to study medication, people with active skin infections, individuals with photosensitivity, and those unable to follow the study protocol cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The study evaluates ritlecitinib 50 mg capsules taken by mouth daily for 72 weeks, either alone or combined with narrowband UVB light therapy. The main goal is to measure improvement in skin pigmentation on the face and body at various time points, including 12, 24, 36, 52, and 72 weeks, using specialized scoring systems and quality of life assessments.

Investigational drugs: Ritlecitinib is a JAK inhibitor medication taken orally that blocks specific enzymes involved in the immune response attacking pigment-producing cells. Narrowband UVB is a specialized form of light therapy using a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light to stimulate melanocytes and encourage repigmentation in affected areas.

Study of ruxolitinib cream for children aged 6 to 12 years with non-segmental vitiligo

This study, conducted across 12 European countries, tests ruxolitinib cream for children aged 6 to 12 years with nonsegmental vitiligo, evaluating its safety and effectiveness over 52 weeks.

Main inclusion criteria: Children must be between 6 and 11 years old with non-segmental vitiligo affecting at least 0.5% of face area and at least 3% of body areas, but not exceeding 10% total body surface. They must have some pigmented hair within vitiligo areas on the face and be willing to stop all other treatments during the study. For children who have reached puberty, appropriate pregnancy prevention measures must be in place.

Main exclusion criteria: Children with history of severe allergic reactions or other skin conditions, those currently in other trials, anyone with skin infections or open wounds in affected areas, those who used vitiligo treatments within the past 4 weeks, anyone with history of skin cancer, those with significant medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, people with known allergies to the medication, those with immune system disorders, anyone with active infections, and those unable to follow study procedures cannot participate.

Treatment focus: Children will apply ruxolitinib cream or placebo to affected skin areas twice daily for 24 weeks, with continued monitoring until week 52. The study measures improvement in vitiligo patches on both face and body, with assessments at weeks 24 and 52. Blood samples will be collected at regular intervals to measure medicine levels, and height and weight will be monitored throughout.

Investigational drug: Ruxolitinib cream is a topical JAK inhibitor applied directly to the skin. It targets specific proteins in the immune system involved in causing vitiligo, helping to reduce inflammation and potentially restore skin pigmentation in affected areas.

Study on Pioglitazone for Adults with Non-Segmental Vitiligo

This Italian study evaluates whether adding pioglitazone to narrowband UVB light therapy can improve treatment outcomes for adults with non-segmental vitiligo over a 32-week period.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be adults between 18 and 65 years old with non-segmental vitiligo diagnosed for at least 6 months, affecting at least 0.5% of the face. Women of childbearing potential must agree to use birth control during the study and for 30 days after the last treatment. All participants must provide signed informed consent.

Main exclusion criteria: Patients with other skin conditions that might interfere with the study, those currently using treatments that could affect results, anyone with a history of allergic reactions to the study medication, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those who participated in another trial within 30 days, people with serious medical conditions, and anyone unable to follow study procedures or attend visits cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The study combines pioglitazone 15 mg tablets taken orally once weekly with NB-UVB phototherapy sessions. The main goal is to determine if at least 50% of participants achieve a 50% improvement in the VASI score by week 32. Regular evaluations will assess changes in vitiligo and quality of life throughout the treatment period.

Investigational drugs: Pioglitazone is an oral medication typically used for type 2 diabetes management that is being tested for its potential to improve skin pigmentation in vitiligo. It is combined with narrowband UVB therapy, a light treatment that exposes the skin to specific ultraviolet wavelengths to help restore skin color.

Study on Afamelanotide and NB-UVB Light for Vitiligo Treatment in Patients with Vitiligo

This study, conducted in Italy and France, examines whether combining afamelanotide (SCENESSE) implants with narrowband UVB light therapy can improve skin repigmentation compared to light therapy alone.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of generalized vitiligo on both face and body that has been stable or active for at least three months. They must have Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI (generally darker skin tones) and be willing to follow study procedures. Written informed consent is required before any study procedures.

Main exclusion criteria: Patients with any other skin condition that might interfere with the study, those currently using medications affecting the skin or immune system, people with a history of severe allergic reactions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone who participated in another trial within the last 30 days, those with a history of skin cancer, and anyone with medical conditions that could make participation unsafe cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The study compares SCENESSE 16 mg implants administered under the skin at regular intervals plus NB-UVB light therapy versus NB-UVB therapy alone. The primary goal is to measure the percentage of participants achieving repigmentation, with particular focus on the time to onset of repigmentation on the face. The study is expected to conclude by October 2025.

Investigational drugs: SCENESSE is a medication delivered as an implant placed under the skin that activates the melanocortin 1 receptor to stimulate melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin color. It is combined with narrowband UVB light therapy, which involves exposing the skin to specific ultraviolet wavelengths to help restore skin color in vitiligo patches.

Study on MK-6194 for Treating Adults with Non-Segmental Vitiligo

This study across Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, France, and Germany tests MK-6194, an injectable solution, for treating non-segmental vitiligo in adults, with a primary focus on facial improvements over 24 weeks.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be between 18 and 75 years old with a clinical diagnosis of non-segmental vitiligo for at least 6 months. They must have a Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI) of 0.3 or more, facial depigmentation of 0.3% or more, a Total Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (T-VASI) of 4 or more, and total body vitiligo area of 4% or more (not including hands and feet).

Main exclusion criteria: Patients with other skin conditions that might interfere with results, those who used vitiligo treatments within a certain period, anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions to study medication ingredients, people currently in another trial, those with serious medical conditions affecting safety, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone unable to follow study procedures cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The study administers MK-6194 as an injectable solution and monitors participants through regular assessments over approximately one year. The primary evaluation measures changes in F-VASI at week 24, with additional assessments using T-VASI and other indices to track skin repigmentation progress.

Investigational drug: MK-6194 is being studied in Phase 2a trials for its potential to improve facial and total body vitiligo by influencing pathways involved in skin pigmentation. The specific mechanism involves targeting molecular processes that may help restore skin color in affected areas.

Study on Ritlecitinib for Adults and Adolescents with Nonsegmental Vitiligo

This study across Italy, Spain, Poland, Bulgaria, and Germany evaluates ritlecitinib tosilate capsules for treating nonsegmental vitiligo in adults and adolescents over 52 weeks, comparing it against placebo.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be 18 years or older (or 12-17 years where locally approved) with a clinical diagnosis of nonsegmental vitiligo for at least 3 months. The affected skin area must be between 4% and 60% of the body (not including palms, soles, or top of feet), with at least 0.5% of the face affected. They must have specific F-VASI and T-VASI scores and agree to stop all other vitiligo treatments from screening through final follow-up.

Main exclusion criteria: Participants with other skin conditions that might interfere, those who had major surgery within 4 weeks, people currently in another trial, anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions to medications, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with cancer history (except certain skin cancers), people with uncontrolled medical conditions, anyone who used certain medications within 4 weeks, individuals with recent drug or alcohol abuse, and those who received live vaccines within 4 weeks cannot participate.

Treatment focus: Participants will take ritlecitinib tosilate 50 mg capsules or placebo once daily for 52 weeks. The study measures whether participants achieve at least 75% improvement in vitiligo using specific assessment scales at weeks 24, 36, and 52, along with regular health evaluations and laboratory tests.

Investigational drug: Ritlecitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor taken as tablets once daily. It targets specific immune system pathways that may be involved in melanocyte destruction, helping to reduce inflammation and potentially restore skin pigmentation over time.

Study on the Effectiveness of Povorcitinib for Adults with Nonsegmental Vitiligo

This study across Poland, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, and Spain evaluates povorcitinib tablets compared to placebo for treating nonsegmental vitiligo in adults over 52 weeks.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be at least 18 years old with a clinical diagnosis of nonsegmental vitiligo. They must agree to stop using all other vitiligo treatments from the study start until the final safety follow-up visit, be willing to avoid becoming pregnant or fathering children during the study, and be able to follow study procedures including having photographs taken.

Main exclusion criteria: Participants with any other skin condition that might interfere, individuals who have used certain medications that could affect results, people with a history of severe allergic reactions to similar treatments, those with serious health conditions that could make the study unsafe, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, people who recently participated in another trial, and anyone unable to follow study procedures or attend visits cannot participate.

Treatment focus: Participants will receive either povorcitinib or placebo tablets taken orally for 52 weeks in a double-blind study. The primary goal is to evaluate whether participants achieve at least 75% improvement in the Face Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI75), with secondary evaluations measuring changes in Total Body Vitiligo Area Scoring Index and Vitiligo Noticeability Scale.

Investigational drug: Povorcitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor in Phase 3 clinical trials that works by inhibiting specific enzymes involved in the immune response. It targets pathways involved in inflammation and immune regulation that may help restore skin color in affected areas.

Summary

The 14 ongoing clinical trials for vitiligo represent a diverse range of treatment approaches, from topical creams and oral medications to combination therapies involving phototherapy. A notable concentration of trials is taking place in France, Germany, Poland, and Spain, with several studies being conducted across multiple European countries simultaneously.

The research shows a strong focus on JAK inhibitors, with multiple studies testing medications like ritlecitinib, povorcitinib, upadacitinib, and ruxolitinib in various forms (oral tablets and topical creams). Several trials are exploring combination therapies, particularly pairing oral medications with narrowband UVB phototherapy to determine whether combined approaches offer better results than single treatments.

The studies include diverse patient populations, from children as young as 6 years old to adults up to 75 years, with some trials specifically designed for adolescents. Many trials focus on nonsegmental vitiligo, the most common form of the condition, with a few addressing specialized presentations such as genital involvement.

Treatment durations vary considerably, ranging from 24 weeks to up to 36 months for long-term safety studies, reflecting both the chronic nature of vitiligo and the need to assess sustained treatment effects. The trials consistently measure outcomes using standardized assessment tools like VASI and F-VASI scores, enabling comparison across different studies and treatment approaches.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Vitiligo

  • Testing delgocitinib cream for patients with vitiligo on the face

    Recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Denmark

  • A Study Testing Zasocitinib Compared to Placebo in Adults with Nonsegmental Vitiligo to See How Well It Works and How Safe It Is

    Recruiting

    1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France Italy Poland Spain

  • Study of ruxolitinib cream for children aged 6 to 12 years with non-segmental vitiligo

    Recruiting

    1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Bulgaria Denmark France Germany +6

  • Long-term safety study of oral povorcitinib in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, prurigo nodularis, or vitiligo who previously participated in clinical trials

    Recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Bulgaria Czechia Denmark France +7

  • Study of Ritlecitinib Combined with Narrow Band UVB Light Therapy Compared to Ritlecitinib Alone in Adults with Vitiligo

    Recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    France

  • Study on Anifrolumab and Phototherapy for Adults with Progressive Vitiligo

    Recruiting

    1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • Efficacy and Safety of LY4005130 Compared with Placebo in Adults with Non‑Segmental Vitiligo

    Not yet recruiting

    1
    Investigated diseases:
    Belgium

  • A study to evaluate the effectiveness of oxygen and narrow-band UVB phototherapy for treating patients with diffuse vitiligo

    Not yet recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • A study testing pioglitazone for adults with non-segmental vitiligo to see if it works and is safe when used with light therapy

    Not yet recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Italy

  • Study on Pioglitazone for Adults with Non-Segmental Vitiligo

    Not yet recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Italy

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