The combination of a 308nm excimer laser with an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor may demonstrate “superior efficacy, unprecedented response rates, and excellent safety” relative to monotherapy or conventional treatment in adults with non-segmental vitiligo, a study in the International Journal of Dermatology shows.
Key findings relating to the combination of Strata Skin Sciences’ excimer laser and a JAK inhibitor in the 251-patient study include:
Mechanistic Synergy. The synergy likely arises as JAK inhibitors suppress interferon (IFN)-γ–driven CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity, whereas the excimer laser promotes melanocyte migration through UV-induced paracrine signals like α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and endothelin-1.
Efficacy. The study showed 14.20% higher repigmentation, indicating synergistic effects.
Response Rates. Following 52 weeks of treatment, there was a 100% significant efficacy rate.
Stability. At one-year follow-up, the combination group demonstrated the highest pigmentation stability (96.5%) and lowest relapse rate (8.8%), outperforming the monotherapy and control groups.
Safety Profile. No serious or persistent adverse events occurred.
“This investigator-initiated study, which features a much larger patient population than normally seen in contemporary dermatology studies, highlights the continued interest in our excimer laser technology and the promise of combination therapy. It is even more encouraging in light of the fact that our technology has been in use for around 20 years,” says Strata CEO Dr. Dolev Rafaeli, in a news release. “Dermatologists continue to rely on the superior performance of our Excimer technology for durable repigmentation in these difficult-to-manage immunomodulated skin conditions. The addition of JAK-inhibiting treatments has enhanced the efficacy of the therapy without compromising safety, and repigmentation has shown high stability with very little relapse.”
The study supports the company’s current pursuit of expanded reimbursement for a variety of indications, including vitiligo, psoriasis, and others.
