TLDR Tofacitinib and ruxolitinib are effective and safe for treating various autoimmune skin and joint disorders.
The review article discusses the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), specifically tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, in treating various autoimmune disorders, including alopecia areata (AA), psoriasis vulgaris (PV), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), atopic dermatitis (AD), vitiligo, hidradenitis suppurative (HS), lichen planus (LP), and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). The review was based on a comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar for meta-analyses, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and case studies, excluding duplicated data and animal or in vitro studies. The results from the articles reviewed indicated that both tofacitinib and ruxolitinib have beneficial effects in treating the mentioned autoimmune disorders and have acceptable safety profiles. Physicians are advised to consider the risks and benefits of these treatments for each specific condition.
40 citations,
June 2021 in “Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology” JAK inhibitors show promise in effectively treating hair loss from alopecia areata.
54 citations,
September 2019 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Tofacitinib is somewhat effective for alopecia areata, but more research is needed on its safety and long-term effects.
79 citations,
September 2018 in “Dermatologic therapy” Oral tofacitinib can significantly improve recalcitrant lichen planopilaris.
355 citations,
January 2017 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” JAK inhibitors show promise for treating skin conditions like eczema, hair loss, and psoriasis.
110 citations,
December 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings” Alopecia areata is a genetic and immune-related hair loss condition that is often associated with other autoimmune diseases and does not typically cause permanent damage to hair follicles.
June 2025 in “Patient Preference and Adherence” Chinese patients with alopecia areata value JAK inhibitors but worry about side effects and relapse, highlighting the need for education and support.
1 citations,
January 2020 in “Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology” Combining oral minoxidil with JAK inhibitors helps regrow hair in severe alopecia areata cases.
63 citations,
April 2018 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Topical JAK inhibitors may help treat some skin conditions but need more research.
42 citations,
April 2021 in “JCI insight” Blocking JAK3 signaling can reverse hair loss from alopecia areata.
45 citations,
April 2019 in “International Immunology” The study concluded that immune cells attacking hair follicles cause hair loss in alopecia, with genetics and environment also playing a role, and highlighted the potential of certain treatments.
