Discovery: drug efficacy may vary depending on your skin color

The influence of skin color on medical treatments could change our understanding of drugs. Recent research highlights a frequently overlooked factor: melanin. This pigment, responsible for the shade of our skin, may play a major role in drug efficacy.

Melanin acts like a sponge, interacting with certain drugs and affecting their absorption. This raises questions about the validity of standard dosages, which do not account for pigmentation differences. This discovery promotes rethinking clinical trials to include more diverse populations.


A study from the University of California, Riverside reveals that melanin has a surprising affinity for certain drug compounds. Researchers estimate that this interaction could slow down the efficacy of certain treatments. As a result, people with darker skin may not experience the same effects as others.

Nicotine is a prime example of this interaction. Studies have shown that melanin binds to nicotine, raising questions about the effectiveness of nicotine patches for smokers with darker skin. Researchers are questioning the implications of these differences for common medical treatments.

Traditional clinical trials often prioritize white populations of Northern European descent. Researchers emphasize that this practice needs to change. Genetic variations, which can affect up to 20% of drugs, require testing on more diverse groups.

Scientists are calling for an overhaul of research practices, integrating 3D human skin models with varying pigmentation levels. This would allow for more precise evaluations of how drugs interact with different skin tones. An approach that could transform pharmaceutical development.

Sophie Zaaijer, co-author of the study, stresses the importance of inclusion. Skin pigmentation must be incorporated into safety and dosage evaluations. Researchers are encouraging the industry to adapt its protocols to the needs of patients from diverse backgrounds.