Baricitinib and Narrowband UV-B: Promising Results from a Phase 2 Study on Severe Vitiligo 

During a recent phase 2 study, researchers revealed that a combination of baricitinib and narrowband UV-B therapy significantly improved both disease activity and quality of life for individuals living with severe vitiligo.

vitiligo

This groundbreaking multicenter, double-blind, proof-of-concept phase 2 randomized study was conducted across four dermatology departments between July 2021 and April 2023. A total of 49 adults with extensive active nonsegmental vitiligo were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 4 mg of baricitinib daily or a placebo. After the initial 12 weeks of treatment, all participants began narrowband UV-B therapy twice weekly for an additional 24 weeks.

The findings demonstrated that patients who received the combination treatment experienced a 44.8% improvement in their Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) scores, a remarkable contrast to the 9.2% improvement observed in the placebo group.

Beyond physical improvements, the study also highlighted notable enhancements in participants’ quality of life. The visible nature of vitiligo often takes a substantial emotional toll on patients and significantly impacts their self-esteem. As such, the success of this combination therapy offers hope to patients who have long struggled with inadequate treatment options.

For clinicians, this study is a reminder of the evolving therapeutic landscape in dermatology and the potential to combine systemic therapies with established treatments. Such advancements may open new doors for managing challenging conditions like vitiligo, ultimately improving outcomes for patients and their families.

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