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ABSTRACT
Introduction: Vitiligo is one of the most important acquired depigmentation disorders, with an average worldwide prevalence of 0.5–2.0%. The exact etiology of vitiligo is not fully understood, but the principle theories focus on the mechanism responsible for the destruction of melanocytes, which is proposed to be autoimmune, neurogenic, or self-destructive. There is no cure for vitiligo and the results of current treatments vary between individuals, being unsatisfactory in most cases. Despite being a cosmetic disease, the disorder can be psychologically devastating and stigmatizing.
Areas covered: In this review, the authors summarize new synthetic drugs for the treatment of vitiligo developed between 2010 and 2015, which include MC1 R agonists and peptides, as well as considering new approaches and strategies using existing drugs.
Expert opinion: In conclusion, we found significant advancement in this field of research, demonstrating the growing interest of academic and industrial groups in developing successful products for the treatment of vitiligo. New therapeutic options could contribute to improving the quality of life of patients and advance the search for a truly effective treatment of vitiligo.
Article highlights
Vitiligo is amongst the most important acquired depigmentation disorders and, so far, there is no cure for it.
Current treatment results vary between individuals and are often unsatisfactory in most cases.
Academic research groups and pharmaceutical companies have patented synthetic drugs that act by increasing or enabling production of melanocytes, and drugs that act by reducing oxidative stress or by immunosuppression.
Of these, afamelanotide, patented by Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals under the trade name Scenesse®, a selective agonist of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) stands out, and is currently undergoing clinical trials.
Also of interest is research about the role of a simple amino acid, HSP70i, which is being undertaken at Loyola University Chicago, and their patent treatment for vitiligo with a mutant HSP70i that works like an ‘off-switch’ in a mouse model of spontaneous vitiligo.
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Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.