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A recent study presented at the GVF Annual Scientific Symposium in New Orleans has shown promising results in treating vitiligo. Led by Dr. Ammar Ahmed from the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, the study utilized TruPigment™ by TeVido BioDevices to transplant epidermal cells to vitiligo lesions in patients with stable vitiligo.
Melanocyte-keratinocyte transplant procedure (MKTP), which involves transplanting pigment cells, has been used for decades but traditionally requires significant labor and time. The biotech startup has successfully reduced the “friction” to incorporate MKTP into a busy dermatology practice. The procedures are simple and similar to those already used in a daily practice of a dermatologist. Training for the procedure takes only 1-1.5 hours and includes hands-on practice. Harvesting the donor sample is similar to a shave biopsy, while the recipient site is prepared with an ablative laser or mechanical dermabrader. The cellular suspension is then applied topically from a syringe, and the site is dressed with standard cover. The simplicity of the procedure, combined with the promising results seen in the study, suggests that TruPigment has the potential to become a widely used treatment for vitiligo.
The study involved nine patients with stable vitiligo, of whom five achieved greater than 50% repigmentation of the treated vitiligo lesion. Three patients achieved equal to or greater than 75% repigmentation, which is comparable to published literature. Stable vitiligo is a critical parameter in selecting appropriate patients for MKTP, which is now widely accepted as a treatment option. In this study, stable vitiligo was defined as no new lesions and no change of existing ones for at least six months.
FAQOther Questions
- What causes vitiligo?
Surprisingly, the causes of vitiligo are yet to be precisely established. Researchers know the cause is pre-wired in your genes, just waiting for a bad luck moment. In about hal...
- Can a gluten-free diet help with vitiligo?
It's very unlikely. We have specifically looked into claims that gluten-free diet may ease symptoms of vitiligo, or completely reverse it, and found no firm scientific evidence ...
- Is it possible to stop the progression of vitiligo?
The best way to stop the progression of vitiligo before initiating repigmentation therapy is through the use of oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs. Specifically: ...
Though it is not always easy to treat vitiligo, there is much to be gained by clearly understanding the diagnosis, the future implications, treatment options and their outcomes.
Many people deal with vitiligo while remaining in the public eye, maintaining a positive outlook, and having a successful career.
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