Janus Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata: An Open-Label Comparative Study

The study evaluated the efficacy, side effects, and durability of two oral JAK inhibitors, ruxolitinib and tofacitinib, in treating severe alopecia areata (AA) in 75 patients. Both drugs induced significant hair regrowth, with mean SALT score changes of 93.8 ± 3.25 for ruxolitinib and 95.2 ± 2.69 for tofacitinib. Ruxolitinib showed a shorter duration for initial hair regrowth. There was no significant difference in hair regrowth or relapse rates between the groups after 6 months of treatment and 3 months of follow-up. Approximately two-thirds of cases experienced relapse. Both treatments were well tolerated without serious adverse effects, suggesting they are effective and safe for extensive AA.