In this inspiring episode, we dive into More Than Our Skin, the award-winning documentary that’s changing how the world sees vitiligo. Through the powerful stories of five remarkable women, we explore resilience, self-acceptance, and the beauty of embracing our differences. Along the way, we’ll discuss the latest in vitiligo advocacy, medical breakthroughs, and the ripple effect this film is creating in the world.

Read more: Beneath the Spots: A Journey of Courage, Beauty, and Resilience

Welcome to 2025! We’re kicking off the year with a powerful episode that could redefine how the world perceives vitiligo. This isn’t just another discussion about skin—it’s a call to rethink the condition entirely. What if vitiligo, often dismissed as a cosmetic concern, holds the key to a healthier, longer life?

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into groundbreaking research from Korea, where scientists followed over 100,000 people with vitiligo for nearly two decades. Their remarkable findings show that individuals with vitiligo had significantly lower mortality rates, with reduced risks of dying from major health issues such as infectious diseases, heart problems, cancers, and more.

We break down the science, exploring theories like "white armor" immune protection and enhanced cellular cleanup (autophagy). Could vitiligo’s unique impact on the immune system be a game-changer for medicine? From potential therapies inspired by vitiligo to its role in reshaping autoimmune research, this episode is packed with insights that challenge the status quo.

This is more than an episode—it’s a strong message to change the entire discourse on vitiligo. Join us in discovering the hidden strengths of this misunderstood condition and its profound implications for healthcare and beyond.

Start the year by staying curious, informed, and inspired—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss!

Suggested reading:

• Vitiligo’s White Armour: A Shield Against Mortality & Diseases?

Starting a vitiligo support group is a meaningful way to connect people, share experiences, and build a strong sense of community. In 2025, the focus should shift to creating local groups rather than relying on a centralized network.

Centralized systems, like a single online group, risk power imbalances, where decision-making is concentrated among a few.

This is similar to the pitfalls of centralized digital currencies controlled by authoritarian states, which can impose unfair restrictions. In contrast, decentralized models foster fairness, inclusivity, and autonomy, ensuring diverse voices are heard.

Decentralized support groups also enhance resilience. If one group encounters challenges, others can continue operating, maintaining stability—much like distributed systems used in banking and defense.

The success of World Vitiligo Day, with its decentralized structure by design, demonstrates the power of this approach, achieving greater global visibility than centralized campaigns like World Psoriasis Day, as supported by Google Trends data.

The VR Foundation provides a cache of resources and guidance for starting local groups. Additionally, Valarie Molyneaux and the team at VITFriends serve as inspiring examples of how to build a thriving network of vitiligo support groups.

Suggested reading:

• How To Start A Vitiligo Support Group: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the 17th episode of Deep Dive in Vitiligo, we wrap up the year with a thoughtful analysis of the vitiligo drug development landscape, exploring the breakthroughs, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of care. From pharmaceutical giants to AI-driven startups, we delve into the science, strategies, and collaborations pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

The Titans of Treatment

Leading the charge is Incyte with Opzelura, the first FDA-approved topical treatment, alongside Pfizer, advancing its oral drug Litfulo through Phase 3 trials. These major players are setting new benchmarks in targeted therapies, but as the field grows, questions remain about accessibility, affordability, and long-term efficacy.

Innovation and Collaboration

Smaller players are also making waves. One standout is Skinopathy, a Canadian company innovating in AI-driven care. In collaboration with the VRF, Skinopathy is working to develop a comprehensive AI-care system for vitiligo—combining diagnostics, treatment tracking, and patient management tools. This partnership demonstrates how AI, when guided by robust expertise, has the potential to empower patients and enhance care.

The Market at a Glance

The vitiligo treatment market is projected to grow to $822.75 million by 2028, driven by increasing awareness, rising prevalence, and substantial R&D investment. Yet, this growth isn’t without challenges, from regulatory hurdles to ensuring equitable access.

A Multifaceted Approach

We explore a wide array of players and their approaches:

• Amgen and its IL-15 signaling blocker AMG 714
• Merck, leveraging its acquisition of Pandion Therapeutics for regulatory T cell expansion with MK-6194
• AbbVie, investigating small molecule inhibitors for immune-mediated diseases
• Vyne Therapeutics and its novel BET inhibitor VYN201
• Ahammune Biosciences, advancing AB1001, targeting T cell activation to halt vitiligo’s spread.

Why It Matters

At the intersection of science, technology, and patient care lies a vital question: How do we ensure that these advancements translate into meaningful outcomes for those living with vitiligo? This episode highlights the importance of balancing innovation with accessibility and the role of collaboration in creating solutions that serve patients, providers, and the broader community.

Tune in as we explore the future of vitiligo treatments and the transformative potential of science and technology working together.

Listen now, and be part of the conversation shaping the next chapter in vitiligo care.

Key moments

- [00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction: Setting the stage for an in-depth dive into vitiligo drug development. - [00:00:42] Market Outlook: Vitiligo treatment market poised to reach $2 billion by 2026. - [00:01:09] Industry Leaders: Incyte and their FDA-approved drug Opzelura—what sets it apart. - [00:05:12] Pfizer's Competitive Edge: Lituflo’s oral formulation and its game-changing potential. - [00:10:27] Innovation Highlights: Amgen's AMG 714, targeting IL-15 for immune system regulation. - [00:15:33] Inclusivity in Focus: Clinuvel’s unique approach for patients with darker skin tones. - [00:18:40] Futuristic Therapies: Temprion Therapeutics and DNA-based whole-body repigmentation. - [00:23:19] Beyond Drugs: Skinopathy’s AI-powered diagnostics transforming vitiligo care. - [00:27:08] Emotional Impact: Vitiligo's effects on self-esteem and the importance of patient advocacy. - [00:30:00] Risks and Trade-offs: Navigating long-term concerns and immune suppression challenges. - [00:35:12] Looking Ahead: Personalized medicine, AI, and a collaborative ecosystem driving hope.

Suggested reading:

• Vitiligo Drug Pipeline Analysis and Market Insights
• The Real Price Tag of Treating Vitiligo: What You Need to Know

In this podcast episode Mind, Body, and Ayahuasca: An Uncharted Approach to Vitiligo, we venture into the intersection of ancient Amazonian medicine and modern science to explore innovative avenues for vitiligo treatment.

Vitiligo, an autoimmune condition leading to skin depigmentation, presents both physical and psychological challenges. Traditional treatments often focus solely on the physical aspects, potentially overlooking the emotional and mental health components. This episode examines how ayahuasca—a traditional Amazonian brew known for its psychoactive properties—might offer a holistic approach to managing vitiligo by addressing both mind and body.

Key Discussion Points

• Ayahuasca's Role in Immune Modulation: We delve into research suggesting that ayahuasca's neurochemical effects could influence immune system behavior, potentially correcting the autoimmune response responsible for vitiligo.
• Psychological Healing and Stress Reduction: The episode explores how ayahuasca's impact on the brain's default mode network may alleviate stress and improve emotional resilience, factors that are crucial for individuals coping with vitiligo.
• Cultural and Traditional Insights: We discuss the ceremonial use of ayahuasca in indigenous Amazonian cultures, emphasizing the importance of set, setting, and guidance in the therapeutic experience.

By integrating perspectives from evolutionary psychology, immunology, and ethnobotany, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how ayahuasca could serve as a complementary therapy for vitiligo.

Tune in if you’re ready to face the unknown, question your assumptions, and consider the profound implications of these powerful compounds on both personal and universal scales.

Suggested reading

• Ayahuasca as a Potential Therapy for Vitiligo. A Journey into the Mind-Body Connection
• Diet, Microbiome, and Vitiligo: Unveiling the Mystery
• Vitiligo's Unexpected Health Benefits: A New Perspective on an Old Condition

Disclaimer: The discussion on ayahuasca explores cultural practices, scientific research, and potential therapeutic approaches but does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive substance that is subject to legal restrictions in many countries. Its use can carry risks, and we do not endorse or promote its use where it may violate local laws. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional and ensure compliance with local regulations before considering any treatments or alternative therapies.

In this episode, we uncover the strategies and innovations behind recent pharmaceutical breakthroughs. Despite intense competition and the shifting landscape of Medicare Part D, Incyte continues to lead with strategic maneuvers and a patient-centered approach. We’ll delve deeper into Opzelura, an FDA-approved treatment for AD and vitiligo, shedding light on the financial and emotional burdens of these conditions and the high stakes of drug development.

Explore the future of pharmaceuticals as we discuss how model-informed drug development (MIDD), powered by AI and predictive simulations, is transforming the testing process, making it faster and safer. We also highlight the role of patient advocacy groups in shaping the drug pricing landscape, ensuring real-world voices are heard in industry decisions. This episode provides a deep dive into the business, science, and human impact of modern pharmaceuticals, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges and promises that lie ahead.

OVERVIEW

(0:00:00) - The World of Pharmaceuticals In this segment, we dive into Incyte's success with Jakafi, exploring how they’ve navigated competition and Medicare changes to reach over a billion in quarterly revenue. We also look at their latest product, Opzelura, and discuss the profound emotional and financial tolls of conditions like vitiligo, eczema and atopic dermatitis.

(0:08:47) - Innovations in Drug Development and Patient Advocacy Here, we explore the potential of AI-driven model-informed drug development (MIDD) to revolutionize drug testing. We also highlight the role of patient advocacy groups in shaping the drug pricing landscape, ensuring real-world voices are heard in industry decisions

How does pregnancy affect vitiligo, and can vitiligo influence pregnancy outcomes? This episode unpacks the intricate relationship between the two, exploring research on how hormonal changes—particularly cortisol and IL-10—can stabilize or worsen vitiligo symptoms.

We also address concerns about potential pregnancy risks, including an increased likelihood of complications, while highlighting preconception treatments that could help manage these challenges.

Beyond the science, we delve into the emotional journey of navigating pregnancy with vitiligo. In a world that often enforces rigid beauty standards, we discuss the importance of embracing individuality, redefining beauty, and building a supportive community.

This episode offers a balance of insightful research and uplifting perspectives to empower and encourage listeners on this unique path.

Did you know the average wait time to see a dermatologist in Ontario, Canada, is over 180 days? And in northern regions, it can stretch up to two years! The call for innovation has never been louder—and AI is stepping up in a big way.

In this episode, VRF teams up with Skinopathy to tackle some big dermatology pain points—endless wait times, questionable diagnoses, and a general lack of access. The fix? AI-driven solutions that bring faster skin cancer detection, personalized vitiligo care, and a multilingual AI guide so handy it’s like carrying a dermatologist around in your pocket.

These innovations were also spotlighted at the 2024 World Vitiligo Day, adding extra credibility to the conversation. It’s a smart, down-to-earth look at how science and tech are making skin care accessible for everyone.

Got skin? Then hit play—you’ll thank me later.