Tofacitinib Citrate for the Treatment of Vitiligo: A Pathogenesis-Directed Therapy

JAMA Dermatol. 2015 Oct;151(10):1110-2. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.1520.

Abstract

Importance: Vitiligo is a common condition that is often emotionally devastating for patients. At present, no reliably effective treatments are available.

Observations: Recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo suggest that Janus kinase inhibitors may be a therapeutic option. We report a case of generalized vitiligo for which treatment with tofacitinib citrate, an oral Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor, resulted in significant repigmentation.

Conclusions and relevance: The results suggest that tofacitinib and other Janus kinase inhibitors may be effective in the treatment of vitiligo. Additional studies will be needed to confirm their efficacy and to explore their safety.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinase 1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Janus Kinase 3 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Middle Aged
  • Piperidines / administration & dosage
  • Piperidines / pharmacology
  • Piperidines / therapeutic use*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrimidines / administration & dosage
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrroles / administration & dosage
  • Pyrroles / pharmacology
  • Pyrroles / therapeutic use*
  • Skin Pigmentation / drug effects*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitiligo / drug therapy*
  • Vitiligo / physiopathology

Substances

  • Piperidines
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pyrimidines
  • Pyrroles
  • tofacitinib
  • Janus Kinase 1
  • Janus Kinase 3