The Use of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata: A Review of the Literature

January 2019 in “ Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery ”

Erika L Crowley, Shamone C Fine, Kathleen Kwan Katipunan, Melinda Gooderham

alopecia areata Janus kinase inhibitors JAK inhibitors baricitinib ruxolitinib tofacitinib cytokines interferon-γ IL-15 JAK-STAT signaling pathway AA

TLDR JAK inhibitors show promise for treating hair loss in alopecia areata but need more clinical trials to confirm safety and effectiveness.

The review discussed alopecia areata (AA), a chronic immune-mediated disorder causing hair loss, and examined the potential of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors as a treatment. Traditional therapies had limited success, but recent studies suggested that JAK inhibitors like baricitinib, ruxolitinib, and tofacitinib could be effective. The review highlighted the role of cytokines interferon-γ and IL-15 in AA's development and linked the condition to the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Case studies and open-label trials showed promise, and ongoing clinical trials were expected to provide more definitive data on the safety and efficacy of these treatments.

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research An Open-Label Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Tofacitinib in Moderate to Severe Patch-Type Alopecia Areata, Totalis, and Universalis

130 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Tofacitinib may help treat severe hair loss, but more research is needed.

research Topical 2% Tofacitinib for Children with Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Universalis

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9 citations , May 2018 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

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17 citations , March 2018 in “Pediatric dermatology”

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research Tofacitinib 2% Ointment, a Topical Janus Kinase Inhibitor, for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Pilot Study of 10 Patients

48 citations , February 2018 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

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24 citations , January 2018 in “International Journal of Trichology”

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$Oral Tofacitinib Monotherapy in Korean Patients with Refractory Moderate-to-Severe Alopecia Areata: A Case Series$

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research Treatment of Corticosteroid-Refractory Alopecia Totalis with Oral Tacrolimus

1 citations , April 2017 in “Journal of dermatological treatment”

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Tofacitinib caused significant hair regrowth in adolescents with alopecia universalis who didn't respond to other treatments.

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Ruxolitinib effectively and safely regrows hair in alopecia patients.

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Tofacitinib may help treat nail dystrophy, especially when other treatments fail.

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238 citations , January 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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research Remarkable Improvement of Nail Changes in Alopecia Areata Universalis with 10 Months of Treatment with Tofacitinib: A Case Report

26 citations , October 2016 in “Case Reports in Dermatology”

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95 citations , October 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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222 citations , September 2016 in “JCI insight”

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51 citations , June 2016 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Tofacitinib was effective in treating hair loss in two patients with alopecia universalis.

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39 citations , April 2016 in “Case Reports in Dermatology”

Tofacitinib temporarily regrew hair in a man with alopecia, but its effects didn't last.

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research Treatment Options for Alopecia

17 citations , August 2015 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

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421 citations , April 2012 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

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10 / 10 results

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Janus kinase inhibitors can regrow hair in alopecia areata but may cause side effects and hair loss may return if treatment stops.

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