Vitiligo pharmaceutical research status
While we don’t believe in one magic cream as a complete solution for vitiligo, It is always nice to see developments and new ideas coming from the pharmaceutical industry. The new drugs and ingredients could help investigators explore what things may or may not work in their own case even if they do not try the drug itself. Additionally real knowledge of the ingredients helps to be better informed in general and identify unsafe options independently. Learning the vocabulary associated with treatments has been a key driver of general knowledge on vitiligo for many people. These are the current research drugs/ingredients to be aware of and further investigate in terms of safety and potential for use in combination with other therapies.
Afamelanotide / Clinuvel [Phase 3]
Key points: This is not a cream or tablet. it is a small implant inserted under the skin.
Ritlecitinib / Pfizer [Phase 3]
Key points: This has already been approved for alopecia areata.
Upadacitinib / AbbVie [Phase 3]
Key points: uses 3D imaging to measure changes on the face.
Povorcitinib / Incyte [Phase 3]
Key points: A highly potent pill that has been shown to work even after treatment has stopped.
AMG-714 / Amgen [ Discontinued]
Key points: Tried to starve specific cells that cause vitiligo. results were not as strong as expected.
VYN201 / Vyne Therapeutics [Phase 2b]
Key points: Used with a gel that was tested with and without the medicine inside showing similar results. (placebo concerns)
Cerdulatinib / Dermavant [ Inactive]
Key points: Has gone inactive probably due to a shift in focus to another treatment (Tapinarof/Vtama)
Crisaborole / Pfizer [Phase 2]
Key points: Already works with eczema. reports suggest works even better in combination with micro needling.
EB-06 / Edesa Biotech [Phase 2]
Key points: Tries to target a specific signal that tells the immune system to attack and stop Vitiligo spreading.
AS012 / Sun Pharmaceutical [Phase 2]
Key points: Trying to focus on difficult to reach areas like hands and feet.
SHR0302 Base / Jiangsu HengRui Medicine [Phase 2]
Key points: Tries to avoid side effects like blood clotting by being extremely selective and precise.
FB102 / Forte Biosciences [Phase 1b]
Key points: Tried to offer a long term remission solution as apposed to just short term repigmentation.
TEV-53408 / Teva Pharmaceutical [Phase 1b]
Key points: Targets the immune cells “hiding” in the skin that cause vitiligo to come back after treatment.
DR-01 / Dren Bio [Phase 1b]
Key points: Tries to not only block the signal but deplete it and remove the T cells responsible for killing pigment.
List Updated December 2025*
