Two big questions are how long people will need to continue using ruxolitinib cream and whether depigmentation will recur if people stop using it.
Another aspect of therapy being studied is whether the cream will be even more effective in combination with other treatments.
“The main combination we think about is ruxolitinib with phototherapy – a light treatment – because light could stimulate those pigment cells,” Dr. Rosmarin said,
He noted that light therapy was included in phase 2 testing and that patients did respond. “What we need and what’s planned is a larger study looking at the combination to see whether it is synergistic or not. The longer patients use the cream, the more benefit we see,” Dr. Rosmarin said.
Dr. Desai has served as an investigator and/or consultant to several companies, including Incyte. Dr. Rosmarin has received honoraria as a consultant and has received research support from Incyte, and has served as a paid speaker for Incyte, as well as other companies.. Dr. Chovatiya has served as an advisory board member, consultant, and/or investigator for companies that include Incyte.