Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Cultured Melanocytes Delivered on Poly (dl-Lactic Acid) Film: A Prospective, Open-Label, Randomized, Multicenter Study

Background Small vitiliginous patches have been treated with epidermal grafts or their cell suspensions. In an attempt to overcome some of the shortcomings of cell suspension delivery, we have delivered melanocytes on a polymeric film. Objectives To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a cultured graft consisting of autologous cultured melanocytes on a poly (dl-lactic acid) (PLA) film in subjects with stable vitiligo. Methods A prospective open-label, randomized, multicenter clinical trial was conducted with 22 patients. Each subject was treated with cultured graft and polyurethane dressing (control arm) after epidermal ablation and followed for up to 9 months. The extent of repigmentation in the treated sites was compared with that control sites at days 90, 180, and 270. Results In the treatment arm, a minimum of 70% repigmentation was observed in five subjects at day 90; nine at day 180, and 10 at day 270. In the control arm, only one subject showed repigmentation until day 270. None of the test sites reported any recurrence of vitiliginous patches by the end of the study. Conclusions Cultured melanocytes delivered on PLA film were efficacious and safe when applied on patients with stable vitiligo.