
Press Release: 18/07/24 First licenced vitiligo drug won’t be available on NHS
18th July 2024
The Vitiligo Society has expressed disappointment that a new drug that could improve the lives of over 1 million sufferers will not be made available through the NHS.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has announced that it will not approve the new drug, Ruxolitinib, for use through the NHS on prescription.
“Research[1] shows that vitiligo has a negative impact on the mental health of 80% of patients, many of whom already feel dismissed and let down by health services,” said John Dunster, Chairperson of The Vitiligo Society.
“By not recommending Ruxolitinib NICE is sending a message that both the psychological and physical impact of vitiligo is not significant enough to warrant making a treatment available.
“The availability of the first specifically developed licenced treatment for vitiligo patients in the UK would have been a significant milestone. This decision will be devastating for many people in our community.”
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease causing a long-term (chronic) skin condition that causes the skin to lose colour (pigmentation). There is currently no cure.
Anyone can develop the condition at any age, and it can appear anywhere on the body, but more likely on the face, belly elbows, genital areas and hair.
The Vitiligo Society was established in 1985 to support, inspire and educate about the condition, that is estimated to affect over 1 million people in the UK.
1 In the largest ever UK survey of vitiligo (more than 700 people) 80% said vitiligo negatively impacts their appearance, and almost half (46%) felt isolated and depressed. The #LetsTalkVitiligo campaign was launched by The Vitiligo Society to raise awareness and understanding among healthcare professionals and the public.
The independent study, commissioned by the UK charity that supports those with vitiligo, found that just 15% of those diagnosed felt informed about vitiligo, with a third of people feeling dismissed and confused when first speaking to their GP or healthcare professional.