title: Synthetic drugs for the treatment of vitiligo: a patent review (2010-2015).
abstract: Vitiligo is one of the most important acquired depigmentation disorders, with an average worldwide prevalence of 0.5-2.0%. The exact etiology of vitiligo is not fully understood, but the principle theories focus on the mechanism responsible for the destruction of melanocytes, which is proposed to be autoimmune, neurogenic, or self-destructive. There is no cure for vitiligo and the results of current treatments vary between individuals, being unsatisfactory in most cases. Despite being a cosmetic disease, the disorder can be psychologically devastating and stigmatizing. Areas covered: In this review, the authors summarize new synthetic drugs for the treatment of vitiligo developed between 2010 and 2015, which include MC1 R agonists and peptides, as well as considering new approaches and strategies using existing drugs. Expert opinion: In conclusion, we found significant advancement in this field of research, demonstrating the growing interest of academic and industrial groups in developing successful products for the treatment of vitiligo. New therapeutic options could contribute to improving the quality of life of patients and advance the search for a truly effective treatment of vitiligo.
authors.affiliation: a Post-graduate Program in Health Sciences , University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: Andreia Freire
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: de Menezes
authors.affiliation: b Department of Pharmacy , University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: Saravanan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shanmugam
authors.affiliation: b Department of Pharmacy , University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: Isla Alcântara
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.affiliation: a Post-graduate Program in Health Sciences , University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernanda Oliveira
authors.initials: FO
authors.lastname: de Carvalho
authors.affiliation: c Department of Physiology , University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: Lucindo José
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Quintans-Júnior
authors.affiliation: d Department of Medicine , University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo Queiroz
authors.initials: RQ
authors.lastname: Gurgel
authors.affiliation: d Department of Medicine , University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: de Santana Silva
authors.affiliation: b Department of Pharmacy , University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: Mairim Russo
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Serafini
authors.affiliation: b Department of Pharmacy , University of Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Brazil.
authors.forename: Adriano Antunes de Souza
authors.initials: AAS
authors.lastname: Araújo
keywords: MC1R; Vitiligo; autoimmune; depigmentation; peptides; synthetic drugs