Tofacitinib: A Potential New Treatment for Vitiligo

The results are intriguing, the theoretical basis is sound, and the need is sufficient to explore this option further.

Recent experimental studies have found that interferon γ (IFN-γ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo by stimulating the synthesis and release of CXCL10. When IFN-γ binds to its receptor, it activates the Jak/Stat pathway, which in turn results in production of CXCL10. Tofacitinib, a small molecule inhibitor of Jak1/3 is FDA approved for rheumatoid arthritis has shown efficacy for psoriasis in phase 3 clinical trials (NEJM JW Dermatol Jul 1 2015 and Lancet 2015 Jun 5).

Because of the possible role of the Jak/Stat pathway in vitiligo, dermatologists administered tofacitinib to a patient with rapidly progressive vitiligo who had failed or was intolerant of other forms of therapy, including topical steroids, topical tacrolimu…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)