Can a common arthritis drug help stop vitiligo from spreading?

NCT ID NCT04237103

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding methotrexate (a drug used for arthritis) to standard UVB light therapy works better than light therapy alone for adults with active, spreading vitiligo. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to receive either methotrexate pills plus light therapy or placebo pills plus light therapy for several months. The study measured changes in skin color using the VASI score to see if the combination slowed disease progression and improved repigmentation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: methotrexate (oral capsules once weekly) plus narrow-band UVB phototherapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this combination could offer a more effective way to stop vitiligo from spreading and help restore skin color.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 32 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Methotrexate can have side effects like nausea or liver issues.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

vitiligo

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

VITILIGO

Contacts and locations

Locations

Centre Hospitalier de Pau

Pau, 64000, France
Centre Hospitalier de Périgueux

Périgueux, 24000, France
Service de Dermatologie - CHU de Toulouse - Hopital Purpan

Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse Cedex, France
Service de Dermatologie - Hôpital Saint-André

Bordeaux, Bordeaux, 33075, France

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