The Evolving Story of JAK Inhibitors for Treating Alopecia Areata: A Review of Current Progress and Future Directions

Abstract

Oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors now have a position as first-line agents for treating advanced alopecia areata. Oral JAK inhibitors are considerably more effective than topical JAK inhibitors, although topical agents may still have a valuable role for specific subgroups of patients. The US FDA approval of baricitinib in 2022 was an important milestone. Numerous JAK inhibitors are now being intensely studied for use in alopecia areata and several additional medications may also become approved in the near future. Accumulating clinical trial data points to a generally good safety profile for JAK inhibitors when used for patients with alopecia areata. However, long-term data pertaining to the safety and efficacy in this patient population are lacking.

Keywords: JAK inhibition; Janus kinae inhibitors; alopecia areata; cytokines; hair loss.

Conflict of interest statement

Jeff Donovan has received honoraria from Pfizer, maker of abrocitinib, tofacitinib and ritlecitinib.