Upadacitinib pill shows promise in restoring skin color for vitiligo patients

Clinical trials published in The Lancet indicate that a once-daily pill, upadacitinib, may help restore skin color in patients with vitiligo. The study involved 614 adults and adolescents aged 12 and older across 138 medical centers in 18 countries.

In the first trial, 25% of patients receiving 15 milligrams of upadacitinib regained at least 75% of the lost color on their faces, compared to 6% in the placebo group. A second trial showed similar results, with 23% of the treatment group reaching the same milestone versus 7% in the placebo group.

The treatment also showed efficacy on other parts of the body. Approximately 19% to 21% of patients treated with the drug regained at least half of their lost color in affected body areas, while only 6% of the placebo group saw similar results. About 14% of treated participants regained at least 90% of facial color.

Unlike topical creams that must be applied to specific patches, this oral medication works systemically, offering a potentially easier administration method for patients with extensive skin involvement. Researchers noted that repigmentation appeared to continue through the end of the 48-week study period.