the vitiligo, this disease in which the immune system destroys the pigments of the skin, has long remained unrecognized. However, it affects nearly 2% of the world’s population, including one million people in France. “It is therefore important to find solutions to treat it,” says Professor Thierry Passeron, head of the dermatology department at the Nice University Hospital. He is part of an international group of experts who have developed a treatment for repigmentation of the skin, the first approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the American drug agency, and which should be authorized by the European agency. “end of 2023” with “reimbursement by health insurance the following months”, indicates the specialist.
Nice’s participation in such a project is “exceptional” because “few French people are part of it” but historically, the CHU has always been involved. “Professor Jean-Paul Ortonne, considered the father of the dermatology department in Nice, was one of the precursors of research on vitiligo in France and he passed on his desire to know to me, develops Professor Thierry Passeron. What makes that today, Nice is a recognized international pole on the subject, with Créteil and Bordeaux. »
Complete re-pigmentation for the face
Tests of this cream, called Opzelura (ruxolitinib), have been done on 600 adults and children over the age of twelve with vitiligo. “Two major international studies have confirmed its effectiveness, especially on the face,” says the professor. Thus, with an application twice a day, for six to twenty-four months, repigmentation is complete. We observed a stability of the positive results but, if ever the vitiligo persists, it is possible to redo the treatment”, specifies the researcher.
In addition, this cream “is very well tolerated” in patients and “does not require a blood test”, insists the dermatologist. He still indicates that “some areas are difficult to repigment, such as the feet or the hands”. This is what other trials are in progress. “At the very beginning of next year, in our institute in Nice, we will continue our studies on the transplantation of melanocytes on these areas by combining with the ruxolitinib treatment, he develops. We also know that it is necessary to combine the treatment with UV rays to restore color to the skin. He is also working on tests to enable treatment for children as young as six.
A website with the latest information
If all these treatments seem “heavy” and long, it’s “nothing” compared to what some people with vitiligo can experience. “Patients are really motivated, they sometimes come from afar to get our solutions. We sometimes underestimate the burden of this disease. It is far from being benign, in particular on the impact it can have on the quality of life of patients, in the professional sector, in their social or affective life. And most doctors, 70% in France, believed until recently that nothing could be done. Now we have a better understanding of the subject. It is therefore essential to provide solutions for these people who suffer from it. »
The expert takes the opportunity to “quiet received ideas”: “Patients with vitiligo are not more at risk of getting skin cancer. And it’s not an inherited disease. In 90% of cases, the genetic background is never transmitted, as with other autoimmune diseases”. He adds: “It is absolutely not contagious”. A website has been created to get all the latest information about it.