Successful Hair Regrowth in a Korean Patient with Alopecia Universalis Following Tofacitinib Treatment

In 2017, a 28-year-old Korean woman with alopecia universalis experienced significant hair regrowth after treatment with tofacitinib citrate, a selective JAK 1/3 inhibitor. Her alopecia areata began at age 20 and progressed to alopecia universalis within three years. Previous treatments, including minoxidil, methotrexate, and platelet-rich plasma injections, were ineffective. After starting tofacitinib at a dosage of 5 mg twice daily, she saw remarkable hair regrowth within two weeks, and by 32 weeks, she had full scalp hair regrowth with no recurrence of alopecia universalis. Laboratory tests showed no abnormalities, and the patient reported no side effects. This case supports the potential of JAK inhibitors as a treatment for alopecia areata and represents the first report of successful tofacitinib therapy for alopecia universalis in Korea.