Breakthrough vitiligo treatment
New hope for people living with vitiligo is on the horizon as Apex Clinical Research Center conducts a Phase II clinical trial evaluating an investigational treatment.
Apex Clinical Research Center is currently conducting clinical trials on a breakthrough treatment for this disfiguring disease.
For people living with vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin to lose its pigment, there is promising new research—right here in Northeast Ohio—exploring a new IV infusion designed to target the underlying immune response responsible for this condition.
This loss of pigment that creates white patches on the skin is about more than just aesthetics. It affects confidence, emotional well-being and everyday life.
“Though it doesn’t cause itching or pain, it is disfiguring,” says Marlise Fletter, CNP, network lead investigator at Apex Clinical Research Center, which is conducting the study. “When you are missing pigment, particularly on your face, it makes you very self-conscious.”
Vitiligo affects an estimated 0.5% to 2% of the population and usually begins in early adulthood. Although it does not typically cause physical discomfort, its visible effects lead many patients to seek treatment.
“Vitiligo is a hard condition to address because there currently are no effective treatments that can cure it,” says Dr. Sujata Khosla, a sub-investigator on the study. “Most of the therapies currently available are topical creams, and many are used off label. But now we are studying a systemic treatment that offers a new approach.”
Advancements in immunotherapy are opening new possibilities for managing chronic skin conditions by targeting the immune system processes that drive them. Rather than simply addressing the visible signs of vitiligo, this investigational treatment is designed to target the underlying cause.
“Patients are hopeful with this new treatment because it is actually treating the cause,” Dr. Khosla says. “The treatment uses monoclonal antibodies that are very targeted.”
The IV infusion is designed to identify and interfere with a specific immune pathway responsible for destroying melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment. By disrupting that process, researchers hope to help protect these cells and preserve their ability to produce pigment.
Phase I of the trial has been completed, showing the safety of the treatment, and now Phase II is determining the efficacy.
Behind every medical breakthrough are people willing to participate in research. By volunteering for a clinical trial, individuals with vitiligo can help researchers better understand the condition and evaluate promising approaches to treatment.
Participants receive all study-related care, including thorough physical exams, bloodwork and EKGs, at no cost, while gaining access to new treatments before they become widely available. They also receive a stipend to compensate for time and travel.
“We are making a difference in a lot of dermatological conditions because we are on the cutting edge of novel therapies for chronic and debilitating skin conditions,” Marlise says.
Apex Clinical Research Center
- 29111 Cedar Road, Mayfield Heights
- 4124 Munson Street NW, Canton
- 6150 Park Square Drive, Suite B, Lorain
Vitiligo affects an estimated 0.5% to 2% of the population and usually begins in early adulthood.
Opening Doors for Vitiligo Research
Gain access to promising new medications and treatments at Apex Clinical Research Center. As part of Apex Skin’s 15-clinic dermatology system, the center conducts clinical trials for myriad skin conditions—evaluating both FDA-approved and investigational therapies—including a current clinical trial evaluating an investigational medication given by IV infusion to see whether it will bring color back to depigmented skin in patients with non-segmental vitiligo.
Study-related care is provided at no cost, no insurance required and qualified participants receive compensation for time and travel.
Candidates for this study:
- Adults ages 18 to 65
- Patients with 5% to 60% of body covered with vitiligo, including at least a half percent on the face
- Inadequate response to previous topical therapies, phototherapy or oral therapies.
“Vitiligo can have a significant impact on a person’s confidence and quality of life, yet research opportunities have historically been limited in our area. At Apex Clinical Research Center, we are excited to bring these studies to Northeast Ohio,” says Brooke Glivar, LPN, research network director. “We are proud to provide patients in our communities with access to clinical research opportunities that might not otherwise be available.”
To learn more, call 440-940-2739 or visit ApexClinicalResearchCenter.com/current-studies.
As part of Apex Skin’s 15-clinic dermatology system, the center conducts clinical trials for myriad skin conditions—evaluating both FDA-approved and investigational therapies—including a current clinical trial evaluating an investigational medication given by IV infusion to see whether it will bring color back to depigmented skin in patients with non-segmental vitiligo.
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