- For the first time, NICE has recommended a medicine that
effectively treats the underlying cause of devastating skin
condition vitiligo
More than 80,000 adults and teenagers across England suffering
with a chronic skin condition could have their lives transformed
after NICE today (Tuesday, 24 February) recommended the first
licensed treatment for vitiligo in the NHS.
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition where the immune system
mistakenly attacks the cells that give skin its colour, leaving
pale pink or white patches. For many people, particularly those
with darker skin tones, the visible changes can affect their
confidence, social life, and mental health.
Until now, treatment options have been limited. The newly
recommended cream, ruxolitinib (brand name Opzelura), works by
calming the immune system's attack on pigment-producing cells,
helping repair the skin cells so they regain their natural
colour.
Applied twice daily, clinical trials showed people using
ruxolitinib cream were over four times more likely to have the
skin on their face restored to its natural colour
(repigmentation) compared with placebo, and over six times more
likely to report their vitiligo becoming much less noticeable or
no longer noticeable.
Patient experts said the cream was a welcome alternative to
treatment with light (phototherapy), which requires
time-consuming hospital visits that can be difficult to fit
around work, education, and family life.
They describe the condition as 'psychologically devastating', and
can lead to social rejection, identity loss, and withdrawal from
daily activities. The visible changes can affect self-esteem,
relationships, and careers – particularly for those in
public-facing jobs.
The experts added that young people may face disruption to
education and friendships, intensified by social media pressures
because of the disease. The burden can be compounded for people
with black or brown skin tones, as patches are more visible.
Helen Knight, NICE Director of medicines evaluation,
said: "Vitiligo that affects the face can be a
devastating disease and have a profound impact on a person's
quality of life. This will be the first licensed treatment for
the condition to be made available in the NHS, and having an
effective drug will be welcomed by the thousands of people living
with this condition.”
The treatment will be available for people aged 12 and over
non-segmental vitiligo that affects the face when other topical
first-line treatments have not worked or are not suitable.
Pav Korpal, a patient expert who was a member of previous NICE
committees looking at vitiligo treatments, said: “As an
Indian with brown skin, my vitiligo is more visible. As a young
child, I was often called vile names and bullied as a result,
causing me distress and anxiety. This led me to me seeking off
label treatments, which have often been hit and miss.
“Getting the news that ruxolitinib, an effective treatment
expressly for vitiligo, is being recommended gives me renewed
optimism. Treating the physical symptoms will also help to manage
the psychological effects of this disease.”
Emma Rush, CEO of Vitiligo Support UK, said: “This
decision by NICE to recommend ruxolitinib in the NHS is an
important landmark for vitiligo patients.
“It is clear NICE listened to the evidence presented by patients
on the impact of vitiligo on their lives. The recommendation will
make a massive difference to patients' lives and grants them a
means of treating their disease in a convenient and above-all
effective way.”
Abigail Hurrell, CEO of The Vitiligo Society, said:
“Today's approval of ruxolitinib represents a historic milestone
and the first time the NHS has recognised and funded a dedicated
repigmentation treatment. This decision acknowledges the
significant psychological, social and medical impact of vitiligo
and marks a fundamental shift towards the equitable care our
community has long deserved.
“We are profoundly grateful to the individuals who shared their
lived experiences and helped elevate this issue to national
attention. Their voices were instrumental in achieving this
outcome, alongside constructive collaboration from NICE, NHS
England, clinicians, researchers and industry partners.”
Following productive discussions with the company and an improved
commercial offer, NICE has been able to recommend this treatment
through our rapid review process. This approach allows NICE to
respond quickly when circumstances change, ensuring the NHS gets
value for money while patients get access to innovative
treatments.
NHS England will make the cream available within three months of
final guidance being published.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Ruxolitinib cream is recommended for non-segmental vitiligo
affecting the face in people aged 12 and over, where first-line
topical treatments have not worked or are unsuitable.
- Non-segmental vitiligo causes symmetrical patches on both
sides of the body.
- The treatment is made by Incyte and is available to the NHS
through a confidential commercial arrangement.
