Overview 

In our recent webinar, Paul Wagner, CEO of Forte Biosciences, and Professor Seemal Desai, President of the Global Vitiligo Foundation and past President of the American Academy of Dermatology, shared valuable insights into Vitiligo; What it is, it's impact, and how research is shaping the future of treatment.

Watch the full webinar below to hear the complete discussion.

What is Vitiligo?

The session opened with an overview of Vitiligo as an autoimmune disease, not just a cosmetic concern. Professor Desai explained how the body's immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes, the pigment producing cells in the skin. The loss of pigmentation can affect millions globally, including more then 200,000 people across Australia, and is often linked with other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes. 

The Impact Beyond the Skin

Vitiligo is not only a physical condition but also a psychological one. Patients frequently experience depression, anxiety, and social stigma. During the webinar, Professor Desai highlighted how stigma and misconceptions (such as thinking vitiligo is contagious) add to the burden, making timely and compassionate treatment essential.

Current Treatment Landscape

The speakers reviewed today's therapies, including topical creams, oral treatments, phototherapy, and steroids. While some patients benefit, most require a combination of approaches, and there is still no cure.

One milestone highlighted was the FDA approval of topical ruxolitinib (Opzelura®), the first treatment proven to repigment non-segmental vitiligo. However, because it is topical, it comes with limitations, reinforcing the need for new innovations.

Emerging Science and New Therapies

A central part of the webinar explored the role of IL-2 and IL-15, molecules that activate immune cells. In vitiligo, these molecules drive the immune system to attack healthy melanocytes.

Forte’s investigational therapy, FB-102, targets a protein called CD122, which links IL-2 and IL-15 signalling. By blocking this pathway, FB-102 aims to quiet the immune attack while sparing healthy immune function. Early results from laboratory and animal studies show potential for restoring pigmentation, and clinical trials are now underway in Australia and New Zealand.

Be part of the future of Vitiligo Research 

Clinical trials are essential in advancing new therapies. The vitiligo study discussed in this webinar is now open for recruitment in Australia and New Zealand.

If you are living with vitiligo and would like to learn more about this study, or know someone who may be eligible, click the link below

If you have any questions, please fill out the below