The UAE has once again made headlines in the field of modern treatments; this country is the first in the world to approve the wider use of the medication RINVOQ (upadacitinib) for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo.

The Emirates Drug Establishment announced on Monday that this medication has been approved for adults and adolescents aged 12 and older who require systemic treatment.

RINVOQ is taken in the form of an oral tablet and is administered once daily, now introduced as the first approved oral treatment for this group of patients.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes patches of skin to lose their natural color, resulting in white or lighter spots on the body. The non-segmental type, which is the most common form of this disease, typically creates symmetrical patches on both sides of the body and may gradually spread over time.

According to this report, vitiligo affects about 0.5 to 1 percent of the world's population; however, some researchers believe that due to undiagnosed and unreported cases, this figure may rise to 1.5 percent.

This disease can begin at any age, but its onset is usually observed in the mid-20s.

UAE officials have also urged people to consult a specialist if they notice unusual changes in their skin color for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection.
Source: Gulf News