The Skin-Lightening Power of Tirbanibulin 1% Ointment

Sep 21, 2026

Tirbanibulin 1% ointment is licensed to treat non-hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis (AK) on the face and scalp in adults, and emerging data suggest cosmetic advantages beyond tumor control. A single-center retrospective study evaluated patients with solar lentigines (SLs) and AKs within field cancerization treated using tirbanibulin 1% ointment. Results in 42 patients showed clearance of SLs and AKs, with noted limitations including small sample size and no control group.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Introduction

Actinic keratosis and treatment rationale

Solar lentigines and study rationale

Methods

Study design and setting

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Ethics and consent

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) (2025) 15:95–110 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-024-01310-0](https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-024-01310-0) ORIGINAL RESEARCH The Skin‑Lightening Power of Tirbanibulin 1% Ointment Federica Li Pomi · Andrea d’Aloja · Michelangelo Rottura · Mario Vaccaro · Francesco Borgia Received: October 16, 2024 / Accepted: November 11, 2024 / Published online: November 30, 2024 © The Author(s) 2024 ABSTRACT Background: Tirbanibulin 1% ointment has been licensed to treat non-hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis (AK) on the face and scalp in adults. Recent evidence suggests that, besides the antineoplastic effect, tirbanibulin may also confer substantial cosmetic benefits to patients. Methods: We report a single-center retrospective study of patients affected by solar lentigines (SLs) and AKs in the context of field cancerization treated with tirbanibulin 1% ointment. F. Li Pomi Department of Precision Medicine in Medical, Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy e-mail: [federicalipomi@hotmail.it](federicalipomi@hotmail.it) [A. d](A. d)’[Aloja](Aloja) · M. Vaccaro · F. Borgia (*) Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy e-mail: [fborgia@unime.it](fborgia@unime.it) A. d’Aloja e-mail: [andredalo@hotmail.it](andredalo@hotmail.it) M. Vaccaro[e-mail: mario.vaccaro@unime.it](e-mail: mario.vaccaro@unime.it) M. Rottura Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy [e-mail: mrottura@unime.it](e-mail: mrottura@unime.it) Results: Among 42 patients, 35%(n = 15) experienced complete clearance of SLs, while partial clearance was observed in 50%(n = 21) of patients. Regarding AKs, complete and partial clearance were observed in 52%(n = 22) and 40%(n = 17) of patients, respectively. Major study limitations are the small sample size and the absence of a control group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that tirbanibulin 1% ointment may offer the dual benefit of treating AKs while simultaneously lightening aesthetically bothersome and difficult-to-treat lesions like SLs with just 5 days of application. Keywords: Actinic keratosis; Lentigines; Skin aging; Solar lentigines; Solar lentigo; Tirbanibulin; Tirbanibulin ointment; Treatment Key Summary Points Topical treatments for actinic keratosis (AK) may confer cosmetic benefits to patients, but the skin-lightening effects on solar lentigo (SL) have not yet been reported. Tirbanibulin 1% ointment has been licensed to treat non-hyperkeratotic AKs on the face and scalp in adults, and excellent patient compliance has been observed due to its mild side effects and short application time of only 5 consecutive days. We report a retrospective study of 42 patients seeking treatment for AKs in the context of photodamaged areas in which the application of tirbanibulin 1% ointment induced, besides the clearance of AKs, skin-lightening effects on SLs. Besides excellent AK response at the 57-day follow-up, a complete clearance SL rate of 35% and a partial SL clearance rate of 50% were observed. Tirbanibulin treatment should be offered to patients affected by both AKs and SLs. INTRODUCTION Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common cutaneous intraepithelial neoplasm characterized by the proliferation of atypical keratinocytes in sunexposed areas, particularly in older individuals with the fair skin phototype. If left untreated, AK lesions may progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), highlighting the need for effective therapeutic interventions [1] . Tirbanibulin 1% ointment (Klisyri®, Almirall, S.A., Barcelona, Spain) has been licensed to treat non-hyperkeratotic AK lesions on the face and scalp in adults, with good results and excellent patient tolerability due to its mild side effects and short application time of 5 consecutive days [2] . Its mechanism of action

FAQs

What is tirbanibulin 1% ointment used for in adults?

It is licensed for non-hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis (AK) on the face and scalp in adults. The study also investigates potential cosmetic benefits.

How was the study conducted for solar lentigines and actinic keratosis?

A single-center retrospective evaluation included adult patients with both AKs and solar lentigines (SLs) on chronically photodamaged scalp and face, treated with tirbanibulin 1% ointment between February 2023 and March 2024.

What clearance results were reported for solar lentigines and actinic keratosis?

Among 42 patients, complete SL clearance occurred in 35% (n=15) and partial clearance in 50% (n=21). For AKs, complete clearance was 52% (n=22) and partial clearance was 40% (n=17).

What limitations are noted in the study?

Major limitations include the small sample size and the absence of a control group.

Sep 21, 2026

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