Transplanting your own skin cells to restore pigment in vitiligo

Autologous Non-cultured Epidermal Cell Suspension Transplantation in the Treatment of Vitiligo

Not applicable Interventional Peking University People's Hospital · NCT07187882

This procedure will try transplanting a suspension made from your own skin cells to restore pigment in people aged 8–65 with stable vitiligo that hasn't improved with medicine or light therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking University People's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT07187882 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The procedure harvests a thin split‑thickness graft (usually from the anterolateral thigh), prepares a non‑cultured epidermal cell suspension using a commercial kit, and applies the cell suspension onto dermabraded depigmented skin under local anesthesia. It is offered to patients whose vitiligo has been stable (segmental/unclassified ≥6 months, non‑segmental ≥1 year), involves at least 5% body surface area, and has been resistant to medications and phototherapy. Participants will be followed long term to record safety outcomes and degree of repigmentation, while investigators analyze how cell density and cell types relate to clinical results. The data aim to inform how to use this autologous grafting technique in clinical practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 8–65 with stable vitiligo (segmental/unclassified ≥6 months; non‑segmental ≥1 year), with at least 5% BSA affected, who have not responded to medical or phototherapy and are willing to undergo surgery and follow‑up.

Not a fit: Patients with active or progressive vitiligo, a tendency to form keloids, serious systemic or infectious disease, coagulation defects, or inability to complete follow‑up are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the procedure could restore pigment to resistant, stable vitiligo patches and reduce visible depigmentation.

How similar studies have performed: Similar non‑cultured epidermal cell suspension and other autologous grafting techniques have shown good repigmentation in multiple prior reports, though outcomes vary and many studies are single‑center.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed as vitiligo, according to the "Vitiligo Diagnosis and Treatment Consensus (2021 edition)
* Segmental and unclassified vitiligo stable for 6 months, Non-segmental vitiligo stable for 1 year and resistant to medication and phototherapy
* BSA≥5%
* Sign the informed consent and be willing to undergo surgical treatment
* 8-65 years old, both genders

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe visceral or infectious disease not suitable for surgical treatment
* Tendency toward keloid formation
* Coagulation defects
* Unable to complete follow-up on time

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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 cultured epidermal cell suspensionvitiligoautologous
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.