Analysis: Ruxolitinib 1.5% Cream Linked with Repigmentation in Adolescents with Vitiligo

A new post-hoc analysis indicates significant repigmentation results from the application of 1.5% ruxolitinib cream in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo. 

The analysis looked at two double-blind, vehicle-controlled studies (the TRuE-V1 and TRuE-V2 phase 3 clinical trials). Patients were randomized 2:1 to 1.5% ruxolitinib cream or vehicle BID for a period of 24 weeks, after which all patients then applied the 1.5% ruxolitinib cream twice daily. The researchers used the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) to evaluate repigmentation, focusing on various improvement thresholds.

According to the results, a higher proportion of adolescents achieved complete facial repigmentation (F-VASI100) by Week 24 compared to adults, although the difference leveled out by Week 52. Adolescents had greater repigmentation rates for total VASI75 and VASI90 at both Week 24 and Week 52. Adolescents had higher rates of repigmentation in the lower extremities and feet (achieving VASI50) compared to adults.

The relatively small adolescent cohort and shorter disease duration in this group may have influenced the outcomes and was a limitation.

“Given that many patients develop vitiligo in childhood, it is important to have effective and safe treatment options to help repigment this population," David Rosmarin, MD, chair of the department of dermatology at Indiana University School of Medicine, told Practical Dermatology. "Analysis of the phase 3 TRUE-V clinical trials shows demonstrates the utility of ruxolitinib cream in the adolescent population.”

Results from this study were recently reported at the Society for Pediatric Dermatology meeting in Toronto.