Mahdi Darvishi
1 
, Amir Mohammad Chekeni
2 , Mohammad Fazelhosseini
2 , Soheil Rajabalizadeh
3 , Md. Rizwanullah
4 , Mohammed Aslam
5 , Md. Sabir Alam
6 , Zeenat Iqbal
1* , Mohd. Aamir Mirza
1* 1 Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
2 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Biology, School of Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University, Kyiv-01601, Ukraine
4 Centre for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
5 Pharmacy Department, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
6 Department of Pharmaceutics, SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University Gurgaon, Haryana 122505, India
Abstract
Vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of depigmented skin patches, remains a therapeutic challenge due to its multifactorial pathogenesis and the absence of highly effective treatment options. Although the exact etiology of vitiligo is not fully understood, factors such as genetic factors, oxidative stress, autoimmunity, and inflammation are implicated in the destruction of melanocytes. Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on modulating immune responses and alleviating oxidative stress. Conventional treatments, including topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and immunosuppressive agents, often exhibit limited efficacy and are associated with significant side effects, limiting their long-term application. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach in drug delivery systems, offering precise targeting, enhanced drug bioavailability, and minimized systemic toxicity. Nanocarrier-based systems especially lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) effectively address critical barriers in vitiligo treatment, such as poor drug solubility, rapid degradation, and inadequate skin penetration. Moreover, controlled drug release mechanisms offered by LNPs ensure sustained therapeutic drug levels at the target site, improving efficacy and reducing the frequency of administration. This review provides an overview of vitiligo, its pathogenesis, and the limitations of conventional treatments while highlighting recent advancements in LNPs-based drug delivery systems as a promising strategy for the effective management of vitiligo.