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

    September 2014 in “ SciBX ”
    Angela M. Christiano
    From the encyclopedia
    Alopecia Areata →

    autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

    Tofacitinib →

    a JAK inhibitor for alopecia areata and other autoimmune conditions

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    Studysummary In a mouse study, JAK inhibitors like Jakafi and Xeljanz prevented alopecia areata and aided hair regrowth; similar effects were observed in three patients with the condition. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    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.
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