The Relative Efficacy of Monotherapy With Janus Kinase Inhibitors, Dupilumab and Apremilast in Adults With Alopecia Areata: Network Meta-Analyses of Clinical Trials

This network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors, dupilumab, and apremilast in 1812 adult patients with alopecia areata (AA) across nine randomized controlled trials. The study found that oral JAK inhibitors were superior in inducing significant, dose-dependent hair regrowth at 24 weeks, as measured by SALT scores, and had a lower likelihood of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events compared to apremilast. Deuruxolitinib 12 mg BID was identified as the safest regimen. The study emphasized the need for further long-term research to assess the efficacy and safety of these treatments beyond 24 weeks, and called for more standardized clinical assessment metrics for AA affecting other body sites, as well as research on cost-effectiveness and quality of life impacts.