New Clinical Trial for Vitiligo Drug FB102 Launched in NSW and Queensland, Offering Hope to 260,000 Australians

Groundbreaking Vitiligo Clinical Trial Underway in Australia

A significant new clinical trial has been launched across New South Wales and Queensland, bringing renewed hope to the estimated 260,000 Australians living with vitiligo. This autoimmune condition, which causes the loss of skin pigment in visible patches, can have a profound impact on an individual's mental health and well-being. The trial focuses on an investigational drug known as FB102, which aims to address the underlying cause of the condition.

Understanding Vitiligo and its Profound Impact

Vitiligo affects approximately one in every 100 Australians, resulting in distinct white patches on the skin. While not physically painful or contagious, the visible nature of the condition often leads to considerable emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation, particularly for those with darker skin tones or more extensive depigmentation.

Faye Colley, President of the Vitiligo Association of Australia, highlighted the often-unseen challenges, stating, 'Whilst vitiligo is a visible difference, it's often what you don't see that has the greatest impact. It's the feeling of being viewed differently by society that affects people's mental health the most. We need more public awareness to foster a more inclusive and accepting society.'

The Investigational Treatment: FB102

At the core of this new trial is FB102, an investigational drug designed to prevent the immune system from mistakenly attacking healthy pigment-producing cells. By calming this autoimmune response, FB102 may enable skin cells to recover and regain their natural colour. Early-stage results have been encouraging, with the drug previously showing positive outcomes in a Phase 1b trial for coeliac disease, demonstrating both safety and early signs of benefit.

Current treatments for vitiligo, such as steroid creams, light therapy, or oral medications, often provide only temporary or partial relief. If successful, FB102 could represent a new and innovative approach, offering a more effective alternative.

Trial Logistics and Participation

The FB102 study is being conducted in Australia by Forte Bioscience, with clinical trial recruitment supported by Evrima. Several clinical sites are actively recruiting participants across NSW and Queensland, including:

• New South Wales: Novatrials (Kotara), Momentum Clinical Research (St Leonards), The Skin Hospital (Darlinghurst)
• Queensland: Cornerstone Dermatology (Coorparoo), Veracity Clinical Research (Woolloongabba)

The trial is currently enrolling adults aged 18 to 75 years who have been diagnosed with non-segmental vitiligo for at least three months and have vitiligo patches covering 4% to 50% of their body, including some on the face. Eligible participants will be reimbursed for study-related expenses, such as travel and parking.

Charlotte Bradshaw, Founder and CEO of Evrima, emphasized the importance of such research: 'Clinical trials are at the heart of medical advances, exploring new ways to treat, prevent, or detect disease. Volunteers often participate to help advance scientific research, knowing they're contributing to discoveries that may help future generations.'

Hope for the Future of Vitiligo Treatment

The launch of this clinical trial signifies a crucial step forward in the quest for more effective vitiligo treatments. Dr. Seemal Desai, President of the Global Vitiligo Association, underscored this need, stating, 'There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but continued research into new treatments is important to improve the quality of life for people living with the condition.' Participants in this study will play a key role in advancing vitiligo research and potentially shaping the future of treatment for thousands of Australians.