Clinuvel’s Vitiligo Therapy Shines at European Dermatology Forum

In a notable stride for dermatological innovation, Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (ASX: CUV) has unveiled fresh case studies from its CUV105 clinical program, showcasing the efficacy of its flagship therapy, SCENESSE®, in patients with vitiligo. The findings, presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) conference in Paris, mark another chapter in the Melbourne-based company’s push into repigmentation treatment for chronic skin disorders.

The three cases came from a single reference hospital in La Réunion, France, where patients with long-standing vitiligo and Fitzpatrick skin types IV and V received a regimen of seven SCENESSE® implants alongside up to 40 sessions of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy.

The results? Compelling. By day 224, patients experienced gradual and stabilised repigmentation across several body areas, including the forehead, perioral region and legs. Even more notable, one patient who had previously shown no response to topical treatments exhibited significant repigmentation. Another, who had suffered a relapse after partial treatment success, also showed marked improvement.

“Vitiligo patients receiving SCENESSE® treatment understand that temporary darkening of the entire skin surface is required to activate the pigment to reverse vitiligo,” said Dr Emilie Rodenburger, Director of Global Clinical Affairs at Clinuvel.

The therapy appears to induce not only visible skin recovery but also hope among clinicians and patients alike. “Most satisfying is to hear how patients are receiving benefit from treatment and the shared excitement from the treating physicians who may have – for the first time – a therapy that works for patients with extensive vitiligo,” added Dr Rodenburger.

Importantly, no new safety concerns were observed. SCENESSE®, already approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria in several regions including Australia, continues to expand its therapeutic footprint with vitiligo shaping up as the next major target.

Clinuvel anticipates full results from the CUV105 study in 2026. If these case studies are any indication, SCENESSE® may soon be offering renewed confidence to patients who have long faced the social and emotional toll of vitiligo.