TLDR Apremilast did not work for treating severe alopecia areata.
A study involving 9 patients with severe alopecia areata (AA) tested the efficacy of apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor known to suppress IFN-γ production. Despite the theoretical basis for its use, the study concluded that apremilast was not effective in treating AA. This finding was significant as it contrasted with the successful use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which target similar pathways and have shown positive results in treating AA.
238 citations,
November 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Tofacitinib is effective and safe for severe hair loss, but full regrowth is less likely after 10 years of hair loss.
176 citations,
August 2015 in “The journal of allergy and clinical immunology/Journal of allergy and clinical immunology/The journal of allergy and clinical immunology” Alopecia areata involves immune activation in the scalp, suggesting treatments targeting TH1, TH2, and IL-23 pathways.
52 citations,
December 2014 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Apremilast may help treat hair loss in alopecia areata.
701 citations,
August 2014 in “Nature medicine” Alopecia areata can be reversed by JAK inhibitors, promoting hair regrowth.
1 citations,
September 2022 in “International Journal of Trichology” Tofacitinib can be effective in treating hair loss caused by alopecia areata.
4 citations,
July 2018 in “PubMed” Oral and topical tofacitinib can help regrow hair in people with severe alopecia areata.
