Recent Advances in Vitiligo Treatment

Purpose: This review systematically summarizes breakthrough advances in vitiligo treatment from 2020 to 2025 to provide the latest evidence-based insights for clinical practice. Patients and Methods: We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed for literature and clinical trials published within this period. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), Phase II and above clinical trial results, and fundamental research with clear clinical translational value. Results: Our analysis identified that JAK inhibitors achieved significant repigmentation by blocking the IFN-γ/JAK-STAT signaling pathway, while novel agents such as IL-15 inhibitors selectively eliminated pathogenic CD8⁺ T cells, suppressing immune-mediated damage at its source. The combination of 308 nm excimer laser with JAK inhibitors or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) increased repigmentation rates in acral lesions to 56.1%, and vitamin D adjunct therapy demonstrated synergistic effects. For stable disease, ReCell technology combined with narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) emerged as an effective option, whereas miniature punch grafting further optimized surgical outcomes. Additionally, repurposed traditional drugs and antioxidant strategies expanded the available clinical arsenal. Conclusion: Vitiligo treatment has entered an era of precision immune modulation, with JAK inhibitors establishing themselves as first-line therapy and novel biologics showing significant promise. Combined phototherapy and cellular therapy innovations markedly enhance repigmentation efficiency, and drug repurposing continues to enrich the therapeutic landscape. Keywords: vitiligo, targeted therapy, JAK inhibitors, IL-15 inhibitors, combined phototherapy