A Translational Approach to Improve Therapeutics in Atopic Dermatitis and Beyond

May 2025 in “ The Journal of Immunology ”

Daniel Liu, Dev Patel, Megan Lau, John W. Largen, Bing Hu, Helen He, Emma Guttman‐Yassky

atopic dermatitis alopecia areata biologics small molecule drugs immune pathways transcriptomic analyses biomarkers immune abnormalities molecular phenotyping immunomodulatory effects

TLDR New treatments for atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata have been developed using a targeted approach.

The document discusses the advancements in therapeutics for atopic dermatitis (AD) and alopecia areata, highlighting a translational approach that has revolutionized treatment options. Through early transcriptomic analyses, disease-specific biomarkers and immune abnormalities were identified, leading to the development and FDA approval of several biologics and small molecule drugs. Molecular phenotyping has clarified the immunomodulatory effects of these treatments and the role of immune pathways in disease pathogenesis. This approach has significantly expanded the AD therapeutic pipeline and is being applied to improve treatments for alopecia areata.

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Research cited in this study

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research Dupilumab Induces Hair Regrowth in Pediatric Alopecia Areata: A Real-World, Single-Center Observational Study

20 citations , July 2024 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Dupilumab helps children with alopecia areata regrow hair safely.

research Alopecia Areata: Current Treatments and New Directions

57 citations , August 2023 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

JAK inhibitors and platelet-rich plasma show promise for treating alopecia areata.

research Janus Kinase Inhibitors For Alopecia Areata

12 citations , June 2023 in “JAMA network open”

JAK inhibitors effectively improve hair regrowth in alopecia areata with an acceptable safety profile.

research Efficacy and Safety of Ritlecitinib in Adults and Adolescents With Alopecia Areata: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Multicentre, Phase 2b–3 Trial

227 citations , April 2023 in “The Lancet”

Ritlecitinib effectively treats alopecia areata and is well-tolerated.

research Trends in Prevalence and Incidence of Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Universalis Among Adults and Children in a US Employer-Sponsored Insured Population

75 citations , March 2023 in “JAMA Dermatology”

Alopecia areata and its severe forms are becoming more common, especially among females, adults, and people in the Northeast.

research The Burden of Alopecia Areata: A Scoping Review Focusing on Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Work Productivity

10 citations , January 2023 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Alopecia areata greatly affects people's life quality, mental health, and work life.

research Scalp Biomarkers During Dupilumab Treatment Support Th2 Pathway Pathogenicity in Alopecia Areata

15 citations , October 2022 in “Allergy”

Dupilumab treatment reduces Th2-related markers and helps hair growth in alopecia areata, showing Th2's role in the condition.

research An Overview of JAK/STAT Pathways and JAK Inhibition in Alopecia Areata

40 citations , August 2022 in “Frontiers in immunology”

Blocking JAK/STAT pathways can help treat hair loss from alopecia areata.

research Unmet Medical Needs in Chronic, Non-Communicable Inflammatory Skin Diseases

59 citations , June 2022 in “Frontiers in medicine”

There are still challenges in diagnosing and treating chronic skin diseases, but there is hope for future improvements.

research Two Phase 3 Trials of Baricitinib for Alopecia Areata

148 citations , March 2022 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Baricitinib was effective in treating alopecia areata in two major trials.

research Upadacitinib for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata and Severe Atopic Dermatitis in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

7 citations , January 2022 in “SAGE open medical case reports”

Upadacitinib successfully treated a child's severe skin and hair loss issues.

research The Role of Serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Clinical Implications

37 citations , December 2021 in “Cells”

Alopecia areata severity and treatment response are linked to specific cytokine levels.

research Ritlecitinib And Brepocitinib Demonstrate Significant Improvement In Scalp Alopecia Areata Biomarkers

36 citations , December 2021 in “The journal of allergy and clinical immunology/Journal of allergy and clinical immunology/The journal of allergy and clinical immunology”

Two drugs, ritlecitinib and brepocitinib, improved scalp hair loss condition markers.

research A Phase 2a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of the Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitors Ritlecitinib and Brepocitinib in Alopecia Areata: 24-Week Results

138 citations , March 2021 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Ritlecitinib and brepocitinib effectively regrow hair in alopecia areata patients.

research Alopecia Areata: A Complex Cytokine-Driven Disease

3 citations , October 2020 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings”

Alopecia areata is a hair loss disease caused by complex immune reactions, and new targeted treatments show promise.

The Changing Landscape of Alopecia Areata: The Therapeutic Paradigm