Topical Ruxolitinib for treating vitiligo in adults

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Ruxolitinib for Face and Neck Vitiligo of Adult Chinese Patients Refractory to Topical Tacrolimus

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Hospital Authority, Hong Kong · NCT06719024

This study is testing if a new cream called Ruxolitinib can help adults with vitiligo on their face and neck feel better when other treatments haven't worked.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital Authority, Hong Kong Government
Drugs / interventionsRuxolitinib
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06719024 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy and safety of 1.5% topical Ruxolitinib cream applied twice daily compared to aqueous cream in treating non-segmental vitiligo on the face and neck in adult Chinese patients who have not responded to topical tacrolimus. The study is a prospective, open-label, single-center, split face randomized controlled trial. Participants will be assessed for changes in their vitiligo lesions using a 7-point scale at the end of the trial period. The goal is to determine if Ruxolitinib provides a significant improvement over the control treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 with stable non-segmental vitiligo affecting at least 0.5% of their body surface area on the face and neck.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of vitiligo or skin depigmentation conditions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new effective option for patients with vitiligo who have not responded to existing therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of Ruxolitinib for vitiligo, other studies have shown promising results with similar topical treatments for skin conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 - 85 year old
* Have a clinical diagnosis of stable non-segmental vitiligo
* Depigmentation including at least 0.5% of the BSA on the face and neck
* Previously treated with topical tacrolimus 0.1% BD for at least 3 months without significant response
* Agree to stop using any topical treatments on face and neck and systemic treatment for vitiligo during the washout period until the trial concludes. Use of over-the-counter products approved by the investigator and camouflage makeup is allowed
* Both male and female patients must commit to using effective birth control to prevent pregnancy or fathering a child throughout the study
* Subjects or their legally authorized representative, if applicable, must be able to understand and willing to provide informed consent at Screening visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who refuse to give consent
* Presence of different vitiligo types or other skin depigmentation conditions like piebaldism or leprosy, etc.
* History of using depigmentation treatments other than hydroquinone for vitiligo or pigmentation issues
* Any skin condition affecting study participation, active skin infections one week before the study starts, issues impacting vitiligo evaluation, or serious health problems limiting involvement or increasing risk
* Significant medical disease that may hinder use of topical JAK inhibitor, e.g. serious infection, untreated chronic hepatitis, malignancy within 5 years except adequately treated non metastatic cancer, evidence of clinically significant or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, thrombosis including DVT and PE, blood abnormality including significant thrombocytopenia, anaemia (Hb \<10g/dL) and significant neutropenia, substance misuse
* Specific treatment use within certain periods before starting (Baseline visit):

  1 week for topical vitiligo treatments 4 weeks for immunomodulators, photosensitizers, oral retinoids, methoxsalen, or live vaccines 8 weeks for laser or phototherapy on face and neck 12 weeks for biologics
* Any prior application of topical or oral JAK inhibitors
* Hemoglobin under 10 g/dL, significant liver dysfunction, and/or evidence of HIV infection or positive for HIV antibodies at initial screening or current acquired, common variable or inherited, primary or secondary immunodeficiency
* Females of childbearing potential who are pregnant, during breastfeeding period, or those planning pregnancy during the study
* Those unlikely or unable to comply with the requirements of this study protocol

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Vitiligonon-segmental vitiligorandomized controlled trialChinese
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.