Baricitinib: A Review in Severe Alopecia Areata

Baricitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, is the first drug approved in the USA and the EU for treating severe alopecia areata. Two phase 3 clinical trials involving adults with severe alopecia areata showed that daily oral baricitinib led to significant hair regrowth on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes over a period of 36 weeks. However, it was associated with side effects such as infections, headaches, acne, and elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase. While more long-term data is required to fully understand its benefits and risks, current data suggests that baricitinib is a beneficial treatment for patients with severe alopecia areata.