Discussing Post-Hoc Data on Ruxolitinib for Nonsegmental Vitiligo, with David Rosmarin, MD

New phase 3 results of a post-hoc analysis of the TRuE-V1 and TRuE-V2 studies showed that individuals with nonsegmental vitiligo who were also in the age range of ≥12 years had positive results following the use of twice-per-day ruxolitinib cream 1.5% compared to those given the vehicle cream.

The HCPLive editorial team spoke with David Rosmarin, MD, chair of the department of dermatology at Indiana University School of Medicine, about his team’s findings in this analysis, highlighting the major conclusions and their implications for patients with the highly-visible skin condition.

“Ruxolitinib cream is a JAK inhibitor, and we know that vitiligo is fundamentally an autoimmune condition with high levels of interferon gamma, which signals through JAK-1 and JAK-2,” Rosmarin explained. “So it makes sense to block JAK-1 and JAK-2 via ruxolitinib cream as a potential treatment with vitiligo.”

Rosmarin pointed to the findings which demonstrated that a statistically significant repigmentation had been observed among the treatment cohort given twice-daily application of ruxolitinib compared to the non-medicated cream by the 24-week mark. He also highlighted that continued improvements in Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) had been reported among those treated through to the 52-week mark.

“We’re always more careful when it comes to pediatric patients, as we want to make sure that our medications are effective and safe in that more vulnerable group,” Rosmarin said. “And we can say with more confidence as we look at the phase 3 trial data that ruxolitinib cream is really a terrific option for them that is both safe and effective.”

The investigators also noted that rates of complete facial or near-complete total body repigmentation had been shown to be greater among adolescents compared to the results of adult individuals who had been given 1.5% ruxolitinib cream. Faster repigmentation also tended to be observed as faster among adolescent patients versus adults, and the former were also more likely to reach VASI50 in their lower extremities and feet within a total of 52 weeks.

"The future includes looking at even younger populations for use with ruxolitinib cream," Rosmarin explained. "Also, evaluating the medicine in combination with phototherapy. I think it's a bright future that we have for, hopefully, other therapeutic options as well."

For additional information on this topic, view the full interview segment posted above.

The quotes contained here were edited for the purposes of clarity.