A potential breakthrough therapy now being tested in NSW and Queensland could help restore skin colour and ease the mental toll of this often-misunderstood condition.
A new clinical trial underway in NSW and Queensland is aiming to transform treatment for the 260,000 Australians living with vitiligo.
The study is testing an investigational therapy designed to stop the immune system from attacking the skin’s pigment-producing cells, potentially restoring natural skin colour and easing the emotional burden faced by those with the condition.
Vitiligo affects about one in every 100 Australians and, while not contagious or physically painful, can cause significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression and social isolation.
The condition’s visible white patches often lead to stigma and misunderstanding, particularly among people with darker skin tones. Despite its prevalence, public awareness remains low, something the campaign supporting the trial aims to change.
Known as FB102 and developed by Forte Bioscience, the treatment works by calming the immune response that destroys melanocytes.
Early clinical data suggest the drug may help preserve or restore pigment, and a phase 1b study in coeliac disease has already demonstrated safety and potential benefit. If effective in vitiligo, FB102 could represent a significant advance over existing therapies, which include creams, light therapy and steroids.
Dr Seemal Desai, president of the Global Vitiligo Association and immediate past President of the American Academy of Dermatology, said the study represented an important step forward.
“There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but continued research into new treatments is important to improve the quality of life for people living with the condition,” he said.
“Clinical trials like this one are a crucial part of that journey, offering new hope to individuals who have lived with this condition for many years.”
Faye Colley, president of the Vitiligo Association of Australia, said the emotional impact of the condition was often underestimated.
“Whilst vitiligo is a visible difference, it’s often what you don’t see that has the greatest impact,” she said.
“It’s the feeling of being viewed differently by society that has the greatest impact on people’s mental health. We need more public awareness to foster a more inclusive and accepting society.’’
Evrima, an Australian clinical research company, has been engaged by Forte Bioscience to assist with recruitment for the FB102 trial. As it is an investigational drug, it is only available in Australia through clinical trials at this stage.
Charlotte Bradshaw, Evrima’s founder and CEO, encouraged patients to get involved.
“Clinical trials are at the heart of medical progress, exploring new ways to treat, prevent or detect disease,” she said.
“Volunteers often participate to help advance science, knowing they’re contributing to treatments that could benefit future generations,” she said.
She said Evrima’s tech-enabled patient referral network, Evripath, had been developed as an educational and referral tool for GPs to identify existing clinical trials in their communities.
“Greater awareness among clinicians and the public will help boost participation and accelerate medical research,” said Ms Bradshaw.
The FB102 study is currently enrolling adults aged 18 to 75 years with a diagnosis of vitiligo who are able to attend study visits. For more information see here.
