Patient Profile and Treatment Characteristics of Early Ritlecitinib Initiators in the US

This study examined the early integration of ritlecitinib into real-world practice for treating severe Alopecia Areata (AA) following its FDA approval in June 2023. Analyzing data from 150 patients, the study found that 72% were prescribed ritlecitinib by dermatologists, with a patient demographic of over half being female, 52% adolescents, and 78% commercially insured. Notably, 30% had alopecia totalis/universalis, and various comorbidities were present, including autoimmune, atopic, and mental/emotional disorders. Prior to ritlecitinib, 34% of adolescents and 24% of adults had no AA treatments, while others used systemic immunomodulators or corticosteroids. The findings indicate that ritlecitinib is being prescribed to a diverse patient group, offering new opportunities for AA treatment. The study was funded by Pfizer Inc.