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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
[Systemic treatment of vitiligo : Balance and current developments]
M Meurer1,2, P Ceric-Dehdari3
1Stiftung zur Förderung der Hochschulmedizin in Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland. michael.meurer@uniklinikum-dresden.de.
Summary
New systemic treatments for vitiligo, including afamelatonide and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, show promise. These therapies target inflammatory reactions and may expand treatment options beyond current UV light and topical therapies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic drug treatment for vitiligo is primarily adjuvant to UV light therapy.
- Current treatments focus on topical anti-inflammatory and UV therapies, often used in combination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present novel systemic treatment approaches for vitiligo currently under clinical investigation.
- To explore the potential of new therapies to expand vitiligo treatment options.
Main Methods:
- Investigating α‑MSH-analogue afamelatonide for systemic vitiligo treatment.
- Examining oral immunosuppressants, specifically Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, targeting interferon-α-dependent inflammatory reactions.
- Utilizing animal models and serum biomarker characterization to support treatment effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have demonstrated successful systemic use in vitiligo since 2015.
- Experimental evidence from animal models and biomarker studies supports the efficacy of these JAK inhibitors.
- These advancements may significantly broaden the therapeutic landscape for vitiligo.
Conclusions:
- Novel systemic therapies, including afamelatonide and JAK inhibitors, represent a significant advancement in vitiligo treatment.
- These approaches target underlying inflammatory mechanisms, offering new hope for patients.
- Future research and clinical trials are crucial to fully establish the role of these systemic treatments.
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