An Open Label Clinical Trial of the JAK Inhibitor Tofacitinib for Alopecia Areata

April 2017 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Ali Jabbari, Jane Cerise, J.C. Chen, Freda Sansaricq, Raphael Clynes, Angela M. Christiano, Julian Mackay‐Wiggan

tofacitinib JAK inhibitor alopecia areata RNA sequencing scalp biopsies gene expression profiles Xeljanz

TLDR Tofacitinib helped over half of the patients with severe hair loss regrow at least 50% of their hair.

In a 2017 open-label clinical trial, the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib was tested on 12 patients with moderate to severe alopecia areata (AA), with 11 completing the study. The initial dosage of 5mg twice daily was increased to 10mg when responses were limited. The trial concluded that 7 out of the 12 patients experienced at least 50% hair regrowth, translating to a 60% response rate for the primary outcome. RNA sequencing from scalp biopsies indicated that molecular responses could be detected as early as 4 weeks into treatment, and gene expression profiles could predict which patients would not respond to the treatment before it commenced. These results suggest that tofacitinib could be an effective treatment for AA and highlight the need for larger clinical trials.

View this study on jidonline.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 6 results

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

in Chat 34 upvotes 2 months ago

Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

community 22F. Should I even bother getting a biopsy? Is there any point?

7 upvotes 8 years ago

A woman who has been experiencing hair loss for several years, and her question of whether there is any benefit to getting a biopsy to check if it's AGA or diffuse alopecia areata when no cure or very effective treatment exists. Treatments such as spironolactone and Minoxidil/finasteride/RU58841 have previously been discussed.

community Female, 27 years old, shedding/ balding despite being on what is considered to be a effective treatment plan for AGA. Considering Dut (oral) . Please help.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 27 upvotes 2 months ago

A 27-year-old woman with androgenic alopecia is losing hair despite using oral minoxidil and spironolactone, and is considering dutasteride. She is exploring causes like stress and medication side effects, planning tests, and considering treatment changes.

community Finasteride and Oral Minoxidil in Turkey - what I’ve found out

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 7 upvotes 4 months ago

Finasteride is available in Turkey without a prescription, with 1mg tablets costing 800 Turkish lira and 5mg tablets costing 150 lira. Oral minoxidil capsules were found at Cerrahpaşa nur eczanesi, also without a prescription.

community No hair, don't care! [24/F] :)

61 upvotes 8 years ago

A woman with alopecia universalis shares her positive experience of being bald, finding it freeing and less worrisome. She also discusses her skincare routine using Korean products.

community The shedding caused by Minoxidil is one of the worst things. 2 months apart each picture

in Progress Pictures 290 upvotes 4 months ago

The conversation discusses the severe shedding caused by Minoxidil, with users sharing their experiences and outcomes. Some report eventual regrowth, while others see no improvement or worsening hair loss.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Successful Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata With Oral or Topical Tofacitinib

4 citations, July 2018 in “PubMed”

Oral and topical tofacitinib can help regrow hair in people with severe alopecia areata.