Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Treating Alopecia Areata (AA)

September 2014 in “ SciBX ”

Angela M. Christiano

Janus kinase JAK inhibitors alopecia areata interferon-g T cell Jakafi ruxolitinib Xeljanz tasocitinib JAK AA IFNG

TLDR JAK inhibitors may help treat alopecia areata and promote hair regrowth.

Mouse studies suggested that JAK inhibitors could help treat alopecia areata (AA). In mice with spontaneous AA, antibodies blocking interferon-g (IFNG) decreased T cell accumulation and prevented disease development. Oral treatment with JAK inhibitors Jakafi (ruxolitinib) or Xeljanz (tasocitinib) prevented AA and restored hair growth after the disease was established. In three patients with AA, Jakafi led to hair regrowth within 5 months. Future steps could include evaluating marketed JAK inhibitors in additional patients with alopecia.

View this study on link.springer.com →