The UAE has approved an oral treatment for non-segmental vitiligo, creating a new option for eligible patients aged 12 and above.
The Emirates Drug Establishment approved a new therapeutic indication for RINVOQ, also known as upadacitinib.
The medicine is approved for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with non-segmental vitiligo who require systemic therapy.
UAE Approves Oral Vitiligo Treatment
The approval adds an oral systemic treatment to the options available for eligible people with non-segmental vitiligo.
RINVOQ is taken once daily and can now be prescribed in the UAE under the approved medical criteria.
The development also marks a notable step in expanding treatment options for people living with the condition.
However, medical professionals must assess patients before selecting an appropriate treatment.
What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose their natural pigment.
The condition develops when melanocytes, which produce melanin, are destroyed. As a result, affected areas can appear white compared with surrounding skin.
The exact cause of vitiligo remains unclear. However, an autoimmune response is considered one of the main contributing factors.
Vitiligo is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another through physical contact.
The condition can affect different parts of the body and may appear more noticeable on darker skin.
Existing Vitiligo Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and extent of vitiligo, as well as the individual patient’s circumstances.
Existing options can include topical medicines, phototherapy and laser-based treatments. Therefore, specialists usually assess the affected areas before recommending treatment.
The UAE approval provides another option for eligible patients who require systemic therapy.
However, not every white patch on the skin results from vitiligo. Therefore, people noticing unusual changes in skin colour should seek medical assessment.
UAE Highlights Focus on Innovative Treatments
The Emirates Drug Establishment said the approval reflects the UAE’s advanced regulatory framework and response to scientific progress.
The authority also linked the decision to efforts to strengthen the pharmaceutical sector and improve access to innovative treatments.
Meanwhile, people experiencing unexplained skin-colour changes have been advised to consult a specialist.
Early assessment can help confirm the cause of pigmentation changes and guide the selection of appropriate treatment.
