The United Arab Emirates has become the first country in the world to approve an oral treatment specifically for non-segmental vitiligo, marking a significant development in the treatment of the chronic skin condition.
The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved an expanded use of RINVOQ (upadacitinib) for adults and adolescents aged 12 and above whose non-segmental vitiligo requires systemic treatment. The once-daily medicine is now described as the first licensed oral treatment for this group of patients.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. It causes lighter or white patches that can appear on different parts of the body. Non-segmental vitiligo is the most common form and often affects symmetrical areas such as the face, hands and neck.
RINVOQ is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that was already approved for several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Its expanded use for vitiligo provides another option for patients with more extensive disease, particularly those who may find topical treatments difficult to use over large areas.
The UAE said the decision reflects its efforts to accelerate access to innovative medicines and strengthen its healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Doctors have also stressed that the treatment should be used only under specialist medical supervision and according to approved criteria.
The approval could represent an important new chapter for people living with vitiligo, offering a convenient oral option alongside existing treatment approaches.
