Evaluation of ruxolitinib cream 1.5% as an at-home therapy for repigmentation in non-segmental vitiligo

IntroductionVitiligo is a chronic, autoimmune condition characterized by skin depigmentation caused by inflammatory-mediated melanocyte degradation. Treatment of vitiligo is challenging due to the chronic nature of the condition. Ruxolitinib cream 1.5% was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Janus kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor for use in nonsegmental vitiligo for those 12 years and older.Areas coveredThe purpose of this review is to describe the role of ruxolitinib in treating nonsegmental vitiligo.We searched PubMed using search terms nonsegmental vitiligo, jak inhibitor, and ruxolitinib. Clinicaltrials.gov was used to identify clinical trial data including efficacy, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability.Expert opinionIn both phase II and phase III (TRuE-V1 and TRuE-V2) trials, ruxolitinib cream 1.5% improved repigmentation with minimal adverse effects. Topical ruxolitinib is a much needed new vitiligo treatment option. Real life efficacy may not match that seen in clinical trials if the hurdle of poor adherence to topical treatment is not surmounted.