Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Janus Kinase Inhibitors Used in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

January 2023 in “ Acta dermato-venereologica ”

Farnam Barati Sedeh, Thórunn Elísabet Michaelsdóttir, Mattias A S Henning, Gregor B E Jemec, Kristina Sophie Ibler

Janus kinase inhibitors alopecia areata Severity of Alopecia Tool SALT score baricitinib deuruxolitinib JAK inhibitors

TLDR Baricitinib and deuruxolitinib are effective for treating alopecia areata, but their efficacy depends on the dose.

This study systematically reviewed and conducted a meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors for treating alopecia areata, focusing on changes in the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score. A total of 37 studies were included, with 5 randomized controlled trials forming the basis of the meta-analysis. The results indicated that baricitinib 4 mg once daily was most effective for patients with ≥ 50% scalp hair loss, while deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily was most effective for those with a SALT score ≥ 50. Both drugs show promise, but their efficacy is dose-dependent. Further randomized trials with consistent criteria are needed to validate these findings.

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