Efficacy and safety of a topical test product in adults with vitiligo (a long-term skin condition that results in pale white patches on the skin)

ISRCTN ISRCTN86347020
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN86347020
Sponsor ISISPHARMA
Funder ISISPHARMA
Submission date
14/11/2025
Registration date
17/11/2025
Last edited
14/11/2025
Recruitment status
Not yet recruiting
Overall study status
Ongoing
Condition category
Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Vitiligo is a chronic, acquired depigmenting disorder of the skin characterized by the selective destruction of melanocytes, leading to well-demarcated white patches.
This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the test product in non-segmental vitiligo (NSV), with specific focus on the extent of repigmentation, stabilization of disease progression, and improvement in patient-reported outcomes.

Who can participate?
Male and female between 18 and 65 years old with Fitzpatrick phototype III to V having non-segmental vitiligo.

What does the study involve?
Subjects are randomly allocated to apply on the vitiligo patches either the test product, or the placebo or the tacrolimus ointment 0.1%. Vitiligo patches are evaluated at baseline, week 6, week 12, week 18 and week 24.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The possible benefits are the repigmentation of vitiligo patches, stabilization of disease progression and improvement in patient-reported outcomes.
The test product contains ingredients approved for cosmetic usage and is found to be safe to be used on human skin.

Where is the study run from?
MS clinical research, Bangalore, India

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
Enrolment: 20 December 2025 till 6 April 2026, study expected completion date : October 2026

Who is funding the study?
ISISPHARMA (France)

Who is the main contact?
Joëlle AL CHOBOQ (ISISPHARMA), jalchoboq@isispharma.com

Contact information

Dr Mukta Sachdev
Principal investigator

MS Clinical Research Pvt. Ltd
327/15 1st main road cambridge layout Ulsoor
Bangalore
560008
India

Phone + 91 9845044066
Email mukta.sachdev@msclinical.com
None Ritambhara -
Scientific

MS Clinical Research Pvt. Ltd
327/15 1st main road cambridge layout Ulsoor
Bangalore
560008
India

Phone + 91 9945952952
Email ritambhara@msclinical.com
None Soniya Wills
Public

MS Clinical Research Pvt. Ltd
327/15 1st main road cambridge layout Ulsoor
Bangalore
560008
India

Phone + 91 9759593715
Email soniya@msclinical.com
Dr Joëlle AL CHOBOQ
Scientific

ISISPHARMA, 78 rue de la villette
Lyon
69003
France

Phone +33 4 28 00 05 86
Email jalchoboq@isispharma.com

Study information

Primary study designInterventional
Study designMulticenter interventional double-blinded randomized controlled trial
Secondary study designRandomised parallel trial
Scientific titleA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentred study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical test product in trial participants with non-segmental vitiligo
Study objectivesTest product is effective and safe for vitiligo
Ethics approval(s)

Approved 29/10/2025, ACE independent ethics committee (2nd floor B portion, Nandanam Building, No. 1, B Channasandra, OMBR 5th Main Road, Bangalore, 560043, India; + 91 63619 87546; aceiec13@gmail.com), ref: SKIN/IPVT/2025-01

Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedNon-segmental vitiligo
InterventionParticipants are randomized into 3 arms:
Arm 1: Topical test product (A thin layer should be applied twice daily morning and evening). The layer should completely cover the depigmented patches extending beyond the border.
Arm 2: Placebo (A thin layer should be applied twice daily morning and evening). The layer should completely cover the depigmented patches extending beyond the border.
Arm 3: Standard treatment, tacrolimus ointment 0.1% (A thin layer should be applied twice daily morning and evening). The layer should completely cover the depigmented patches extending beyond the border.

For all study arms, the total duration of the treatment is 24 weeks with weekly follow-ups.
Randomisation process: Computer generated randomisation.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measure(s)

1. Degree of re-pigmentation in vitiligo-affected areas measured using dermatological, instrumental, and photographic evaluations using Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) at baseline, Week 6, week 12, week 18, week 24

Key secondary outcome measure(s)

1. Dermatological examination, instrumental measurements, and standardized photographic evaluation using VETF scores at baseline, Week 6, week 12, week 18, week 24
2. % repigmentation, using VASI, and VETF changes at baseline, Week 6, week 12, week 18, week 24
3. Safety and tolerability of test product over the treatment period at baseline, Week 6, week 12, week 18, week 24

Completion date31/10/2026

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupMixed
Lower age limit18 Years
Upper age limit65 Years
SexAll
Target sample size at registration105
Key inclusion criteria1. Male & female trial participants in general good health.
2. Trial participants in the age group of 18-65 years (both ages inclusive).
3. Trial participants with Fitzpatrick phototypes III to V.
5. Participant has not received phototherapy within the past 3 months, has not used any topical vitiligo treatment within the past 4 weeks, and is not currently undergoing any vitiligo treatment prior to the Screening Visit.
6. Trial participants free of excessive hair, acne, cuts, abrasions, fissures, wounds, lacerations, or any other active skin conditions on the test sites as determined by the dermatologist.
7. Trial participants who agree not to use any other product/treatment/home remedies except the provided products during the study period.
8. Trial participants who agree not to initiate any new dietary supplements, herbal products, or over-the-counter medications targeting skin pigmentation during the study period.
9. Trial participants agree to not change their normal hygiene and cleansing routine such as increasing or decreasing shower frequency or changing the soap or cleanser they have been using safely for the 30 days prior to enrolment.
10. Trial participants willing to avoid direct sun exposure (Use umbrella, Cap, Hat if stepping out in direct sunlight).
11. Trial participants who agree not to carry out bleaching or any other cosmetic/dermatologic procedures (including facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments) during the study period.
12. Trial participants willing to give a voluntary written informed consent, photography release and agree to come for regular follow-up.
Key exclusion criteria1. Trial participant with any other signs of significant local irritation or skin disease at or near the target area.
2. Trial participant currently taking any medication, which the Investigator believes may influence the study outcomes.
3. Trial participant having clinically significant systemic or cutaneous disease, chronic illness or had major surgery in the last year.
4. Trial participants unwilling to discontinue other topical products for the study duration.
5. Trial participant allergic or sensitive to bar, cleansing products, cosmetics, creams/lotions, artificial jewellery or anything else.
6. Trial participants who are pregnant and lactating (self-declared).
7. Trial participants who are currently under/planning to start hormone replacement therapies (HRT) or hormonal birth control less than 3 months prior to the study entry.
8. Any condition or circumstance that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with the participant’s ability to comply with the study protocol.
9. Trial participants who are an employee of sponsor or CRO.
Date of first enrolment20/12/2025
Date of final enrolment30/03/2026

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • India

Study participating centre

MS Clinical Research Pvt. Ltd
Department of Skin Sciences, #324, Second Floor, 1st Main Road, Cambridge Layout, Ulsoor 36-1, Second Floor, 1st Main Road, Cambridge Layout, Ulsoor
Bangalore
560008
India

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot expected to be made available
IPD sharing plan

Editorial Notes

14/11/2025: Trial's existence confirmed by ACE independent ethics committee.