Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
Tofacitinib for refractory ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid
Hayley James1, Grace L Paley1, Richard Brasington1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, Center for Outpatient Health, 6th floor, 4901 Forest Park Avenue, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
Purpose:
To report the successful use of tofacitinib in the treatment of refractory ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP).
Observations:
Two patients with ocular MMP presented with refractory disease after failure of multiple therapies. Treatment with tofacitinib led to durable control of conjunctival inflammation within 8 weeks and no apparent progression of sub-conjunctival fibrosis. One patient maintained absence of apparent disease activity over 16 months of follow-up. Cessation of tofacitinib in the other patient led to disease relapse which was reversed by re-initiation of therapy.
Conclusions And Importance:
Small molecule inhibitors of Janus kinases, such as tofacitinib, may offer an effective treatment option for refractory ocular MMP.
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