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Published on: April 7, 2023

Efficacy and Safety Profile of Oral Tofacitinib in Non-Segmental Vitiligo

Soumya Jagadeesan1, Neenu Prasad1, Prasanna Duraiswamy2

  • 1From the Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara, Kochi, Kerala, India.

Indian Journal of Dermatology
|May 11, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Tofacitinib, a JAK inhibitor, shows promise for treating nonsegmental vitiligo unresponsive to traditional therapies. This study found significant VASI score improvement with manageable side effects in patients treated with tofacitinib.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition causing melanocyte destruction.
  • Immune pathways involving IFN-γ and CD8+ T cells mediate vitiligo pathogenesis.
  • Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) 1/3 inhibitor, may target IFN-γ signaling in vitiligo.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy and safety of oral tofacitinib for nonsegmental vitiligo.
  • To evaluate tofacitinib's effectiveness in patients refractory to conventional treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 16 patients with nonsegmental vitiligo.
  • Patients received oral tofacitinib combined with topical tacrolimus and phototherapy.
  • Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) assessed improvement at 6, 12, and 24 weeks.

Main Results:

  • Mean VASI scores decreased from 5.038 at baseline to 1.269 at 24 weeks.
  • 81.25% of patients achieved at least 50% VASI improvement.
  • Adverse effects included transient leukopenia (3 patients) and palmar warts (1 patient).

Conclusions:

  • Oral tofacitinib demonstrates significant potential for managing nonsegmental vitiligo, particularly in combination therapy.
  • Tofacitinib offers a viable treatment option for refractory vitiligo cases.
  • The treatment exhibited a favorable safety profile with manageable adverse events.
Keywords:
Nonsegmental vitiligophototherapytofacitinib

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