Narrowband UVB phototherapy increases benefit of ritexitinib in vitiligo

A study shows that narrow-band ultravioletB phototherapy improves the efficacy of Ritlecitinib in patients with non-segmental vitiligo. In this published Phase 2b extension study, researchers evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of the oral selective Janus kinase 3 and tyrosine kinase inhibitor ritexitinib in combination with narrowband ultraviolet B (nbUVB) phototherapy in patients with non-segmental vitiligo. To achieve the best results in vitiligo, we need to use combination treatments whenever possible.

A total of43 patients received ritixitinib combined with nbUVB treatment, and 187 patients received ritixitinib monotherapy for 24 weeks. Patients took 200 mg of ritexitinib for the first 4 weeks, then 50 mg for the remaining 20 weeks. Nine patients in the ritixitinib combined with nbUVB group discontinued treatment at week 12 because they did not meet the efficacy criteria. Although treatment with ritixitinib alone and in combination with nbUVB improved facial and body repigmentation, the results suggest that adding nbUVB may improve the efficacy of ritixitinib.

At week 24, the Facial Vitiligo Area Index score changed from baseline by -69.6 in the ritixitinib plus nbUVB group and -55.1 in the ritixitinib monotherapy group (P=0.009). Similarly, the mean percentage change from baseline in the total vitiligo area score index score was -46.8 in the ritixitinib plus nbUVB group and -24.5 in the ritixitinib monotherapy group (P<0.001).

The researchers reported that addingnbUVB to the treatment regimen was well tolerated and there were no new safety signals. According to Guttman-Yassky, dermatologists should consider nbUVB treatment for patients with vitiligo. [This study] demonstrates that oral Janus kinase inhibitors themselves are effective in vitiligo, but that nbUVB has additional benefits. If you want the best improvement, add nbUVB to your vitiligo treatment in the office or at the patient's home.

References:https://www.healio.com/news/dermatology/20250422/narrowband-uvb-phototherapy-adds-benefit-to-ritlecitinib-regimen-for-vitiligo