Etrasimod for Alopecia Areata: The Scenario for a Less Extensive and Moderate Form

May 2025 in “ Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”

Michela Starace

etrasimod alopecia areata sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator Severity of Alopecia Tool SALT scores

Studysummary This study reported that etrasimod did not achieve significant improvements in hair regrowth for moderate to severe alopecia areata at 24 weeks, although it showed a dose-dependent trend and was safe and well-tolerated over 52 weeks. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study on etrasimod for alopecia areata (AA) involved a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over 52 weeks, focusing on adult patients with moderate to severe AA. Despite being safe and well-tolerated, etrasimod did not achieve the primary and secondary efficacy endpoints, showing no statistically significant improvement in the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores compared to placebo. The results suggested a dose-dependent effect, but efficacy was only statistically relevant versus placebo. The study highlights the need for further research targeting moderate and milder cases of AA, emphasizing the importance of episode duration and SALT score stratification in treatment response evaluation.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research European Expert Consensus Statement on the Systemic Treatment of Alopecia Areata

4 citations , January 2024 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This consensus statement outlines a treatment algorithm for alopecia areata, detailing systemic treatment indications and options, including EMA-approved medications baricitinib and ritlecitinib for severe cases, as well as other off-label treatments and adjuvant therapies like oral minoxidil.

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In two phase 3 trials, this study found that oral baricitinib significantly improved hair regrowth compared to placebo in adults with severe alopecia areata after 36 weeks, though longer trials are needed to ascertain its long-term efficacy and safety.