Study: JAK Inhibitor–Excimer Laser Combination Improves Repigmentation in Pediatric Vitiligo

Key Takeaways

• New research suggests an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor combined with 308-nm excimer laser therapy achieved significantly greater repigmentation than topical tacrolimus plus excimer laser in children with progressive vitiligo.
• The combo regimen was well tolerated, with primarily mild to moderate adverse events reported over 48 weeks of treatment.
• Treatment response was linked with age, disease duration, lesion location, and follicular depigmentation.

Children with progressive vitiligo treated with an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor combined with 308-nm excimer laser therapy experienced significantly greater repigmentation than those treated with topical tacrolimus and excimer laser therapy, according to findings from a recent trial.

The prospective, single-blind study enrolled 188 patients aged 2 to 18 years with progressive vitiligo across multiple centers. Participants were treated for 48 weeks and randomized to receive either an oral JAK inhibitor plus 308-nm excimer laser therapy (Group A) or topical tacrolimus plus 308-nm excimer laser therapy (Group B). The primary endpoint was repigmentation as assessed by the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index.

Repigmentation Outcomes in Progressive Pediatric Vitiligo

Investigators reported significantly higher repigmentation rates among patients receiving the JAK inhibitor combination regimen compared with those receiving tacrolimus and excimer laser therapy (P < 0.001). The treatment was generally well tolerated, with adverse events characterized as mild to moderate in severity.

The analysis also identified several factors associated with treatment response, including patient age, disease duration, lesion location, and the presence of follicular depigmentation. These findings may help clinicians better understand which patients are most likely to respond to combination treatment approaches.

The authors noted several limitations, including the single-blind study design, relatively limited sample size, restricted follow-up duration, and the use of only a single comparator treatment arm. As a result, additional studies will be needed to further characterize long-term efficacy and safety.

“Janus kinase inhibitor combined with 308-nm excimer laser therapy demonstrates promising efficacy and safety in pediatric progressive vitiligo, supporting its potential as a therapeutic option,” the authors wrote.

Source

Chang S, et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2026. Doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2026.02.096