This Once-Daily Pill Helps The Skin Regain Its Color in People With Vitiligo

Researchers have found that a once-daily oral medication can help restore skin pigmentation in people with vitiligo, a condition characterized by white patches that develop when the immune system attacks pigment-producing cells. The discovery represents a significant advancement over existing treatments, which typically involve topical creams or light therapy requiring repeated applications or clinic visits.

In clinical trials involving 614 participants across 138 institutions in 18 countries, the drug upadacitinib demonstrated notable effectiveness. Among patients taking the medication for 48 weeks, approximately 25 percent regained at least 75 percent of lost facial color, compared to just 6 percent in the placebo group. Similar improvements were observed in non-facial areas, with roughly one-fifth of treated patients recovering at least half of their lost skin color.

The medication works by suppressing the immune response that damages pigment-producing cells, allowing skin to naturally restore its color. Because the pill circulates throughout the body rather than targeting individual patches, it offers particular benefits for patients with widespread vitiligo or patches in difficult-to-treat locations. The drug has received approval in the European Union for eligible individuals aged 12 and older.

However, researchers noted important limitations. Most participants were White, and the trials did not compare the pill directly against existing treatments. Side effects included infections and skin conditions, with rare serious complications reported. Longer-term studies are ongoing to determine whether color improvements persist after treatment ends and to identify the safest candidates for therapy.

Originally reported by Sciencealert →