Topical mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of vitiligo: a pilot study

Farhad Handjani; Shahin Aghaei; Iman Moezzi; Nasrin Saki

doi:10.5826/dpc.0702a06

Topical mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of vitiligo: a pilot study

Authors

Farhad Handjani Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Shahin Aghaei Dermatology Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Iman Moezzi Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences & Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Nasrin Saki Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences & Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Keywords:

vitiligo, mycophenolate mofetil, repigmentation

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a multifactorial disease that is characterized by circumscribed depigmented macules and patches. Autoimmune reactions may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Mycophenolate mofetil is a drug that inhibits DNA synthesis in lymphocytes and has been used in autoimmune diseases such as immunobullous skin diseases, lupus erythematosus, and autoimmune hepatitis.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to show the efficacy of topical mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of vitiligo.

Methods: Thirty patients with limited vitiligo were enrolled in this study. The patients applied a topical preparation of mycophenolate mofetil 15% twice daily for three months and at the end of every month, repigmentation was assessed using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI).

Results: At the end of the third month, 36.6 % (n=11) of the patients showed about 25% repigmentation of the lesions. No side effects were observed throughout the study.

Conclusion: This study showed that topical mycophenolate mofetil can be somewhat effective in the treatment of vitiligo; however, it seems to be inferior to potent topical steroids in inducing repigmentation.