The UAE has once again placed itself at the front of global healthcare innovation. It is now the first country in the world to approve an expanded use of the drug RINVOQ (upadacitinib) to treat non-segmental vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose their colour.
The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) announced the approval this week. It covers adults and adolescents aged 12 and older whose vitiligo needs treatment that works through the whole body, not just the skin’s surface. According to the EDE, this makes RINVOQ “the first licensed oral treatment for this group of patients” anywhere in the world.
At HealthHub Clinics by Al-Futtaim, our dermatology team is closely following this development. Below, we break down what the approval means, what vitiligo actually is, and who this new option may help.
The drug is called RINVOQ, and its active ingredient is upadacitinib. Patients take it as a pill, once a day. The EDE’s approval covers non-segmental vitiligo in patients aged 12 and older whose condition calls for systemic therapy — treatment that circulates through the bloodstream, rather than a cream applied only to the skin.
Officials said the UAE’s decision to approve this expanded use ahead of any other country reflects “its leading position in adopting the latest pharmaceutical innovations and accelerating patient access to them.” The EDE also described the approval as part of “an advanced regulatory framework that responds to global scientific developments,” aimed at strengthening the UAE’s pharmaceutical sector and improving outcomes for patients.
Vitiligo is a long-term autoimmune skin condition. It causes patches of skin to lose their natural colour, leaving pale or white patches that can appear anywhere on the body. It is not contagious, and it is not caused by anything the patient did.
Doctors believe vitiligo happens because of changes in the immune system, sometimes alongside genetic factors. It can also be triggered by things like sun or chemical exposure, stress, and repeated physical trauma to the skin.
Doctors split vitiligo into two main types.
Non-segmental vitiligo is by far the most common form. It tends to cause symmetrical patches on both sides of the body, often on the face, neck, scalp, hands, and areas prone to friction. It usually spreads gradually over time. This is the type the new RINVOQ approval covers.
Segmental vitiligo is less common, making up around 10 per cent of cases. It causes smaller patches confined to one side of the body, often starts earlier in life, and tends to stabilise more quickly than the non-segmental type.
Vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes — the cells responsible for skin pigment. Researchers haven’t pinned down one single trigger.
Vitiligo has also been linked to other autoimmune conditions, including thyroid disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areata, and diabetes. Having one of these conditions doesn’t mean someone will develop vitiligo, but doctors have noted the connection.
Vitiligo affects an estimated 0.5 to 1 per cent of the world’s population. Some researchers believe the real number could be as high as 1.5 per cent, since many cases likely go unreported. It can start at any age, though onset is typically in a person’s mid-twenties.
Most current vitiligo treatments are topical, meaning creams or ointments applied directly to affected skin, sometimes alongside light therapy. These can help, but they treat one area at a time and don’t always work well for widespread or stubborn patches.
RINVOQ takes a different approach. As a systemic treatment, it’s taken as a pill and works through the bloodstream, rather than only on the skin where it’s applied. For patients whose vitiligo is extensive or hasn’t responded to topical care, this gives doctors a genuinely new tool to reach for.
The approval covers patients aged 12 and older with non-segmental vitiligo whose condition requires systemic therapy. In practice, this generally applies to people whose vitiligo is widespread or hasn’t responded well to topical treatments. A dermatologist assesses each patient individually — not everyone with vitiligo will need this option, and many people manage the condition well with topical care alone. Your dermatologist can advise on suitability, dosing, and any precautions specific to your health history.
The EDE has urged the public to see a specialist if they notice any unusual changes in their skin colour. This supports early diagnosis, proper assessment, and selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Several skin conditions can look similar to vitiligo, so a proper assessment matters before starting any treatment.
Beyond the visible patches, vitiligo often carries a real emotional weight. Many patients report anxiety, lower self-esteem, and social stigma connected to their condition. Because of this, doctors increasingly treat awareness and mental health support as just as important as medical treatment itself.
This is part of why World Vitiligo Day is observed every year on June 25 — a global effort to raise awareness, support people living with the condition, and push for better access to diagnosis, treatment, and mental health care. The date honours pop icon Michael Jackson, who lived with vitiligo and died on June 25, 2009. His public disclosure about the condition brought major global attention to vitiligo for the first time.
Our dermatology team offers a full assessment for anyone noticing changes in their skin pigment. This includes reviewing medical history, examining affected areas, and discussing which treatment path — topical, light-based, or systemic — may suit each individual case. As new treatments like RINVOQ become available in the UAE, our specialists stay closely informed so patients have access to current, evidence-based options.
This approval marks a genuine shift in how vitiligo can be treated — not a replacement for existing care, but a new option for the patients who need it. If you’ve noticed changes in your skin’s pigment, don’t wait to get it checked. Book a consultation with the dermatology team at HealthHub Clinics by Al-Futtaim to discuss your options.
Connect with our experienced doctors at HealthHub Clinics to learn more or call 800 2344. to book your appointment.
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