The UAE has become the first country in the world to approve an oral treatment specifically for non-segmental vitiligo, marking a new development in treatment options for people living with the condition.
The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved a new therapeutic indication for RINVOQ (upadacitinib) for adults and adolescents aged 12 and above with non-segmental vitiligo who require systemic treatment. The once-daily medicine is taken orally and is now licensed in the UAE for eligible patients.
A New Treatment Option
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. This can result in lighter or depigmented patches appearing on different areas of the body. Vitiligo is not contagious, and its exact cause is not fully understood.
Non-segmental vitiligo is the most common form and typically affects both sides of the body. Treatment options can vary depending on the extent and progression of the condition and may include topical medicines, phototherapy and other specialist treatments.
The UAE’s latest approval adds an oral systemic option for patients who meet the approved criteria. Clinical studies of upadacitinib in non-segmental vitiligo found improvements in measures of facial and total-body repigmentation at 48 weeks compared with placebo.
What the Approval Means
The EDE said the decision reflects the UAE’s efforts to accelerate access to new pharmaceutical treatments and respond to developments in medical research. For people living with vitiligo, the approval represents another medically supervised option within an area where treatment has historically depended on topical therapies, light-based treatments and other approaches.
The EDE has also advised people who notice unexplained changes in skin colour to consult a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Not every light or white patch is caused by vitiligo, making professional assessment important.
Important: RINVOQ is a prescription medicine and is not suitable for everyone. Eligibility, dosage and potential risks should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
