Systematic Review of Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata: Insights from 2020 to 2025 Studies

December 2025 in “ International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science ”

Anna Mandecka, Kornela Kotucha-Cyl, Weronika Komala, Natalia Guzik, Joanna Gerlach, Dorota Plechawska, Joanna Kaźmierczak, Karolina Witek, Marta Nowocień

Janus kinase inhibitors alopecia areata baricitinib deuruxolitinib Severity of Alopecia Tool SALT score JAK inhibitors AA

TLDR Oral JAK inhibitors effectively treat alopecia areata and are generally well-tolerated.

This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in treating moderate-to-severe alopecia areata (AA) in patients aged 12 and older, based on studies from 2020 to 2025. Ten studies, including seven randomized controlled trials, were analyzed. Baricitinib and deuruxolitinib showed superior outcomes, with up to 41.5% of patients achieving a Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score of ≤20 at 24 weeks. Long-term data confirmed sustained benefits, and adverse events were mostly mild. The review concludes that oral JAK inhibitors are effective and generally well-tolerated, offering advantages over traditional treatments for AA.

View this study on rsglobal.pl →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

18 / 18 results

research Alopecia Areata: Understanding the Pathophysiology and Advancements in Treatment Modalities

January 2025 in “Cureus”

Alopecia Areata causes hair loss and needs treatments that address both physical and emotional health.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib Against Traditional Therapies in Severe Alopecia Areata: A Retrospective Cohort Study

research Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib Against Traditional Therapies in Severe Alopecia Areata: A Retrospective Cohort Study

November 2024 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Baricitinib is effective for severe alopecia areata but has some side effects.

research Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib in Patients With Severe Alopecia Areata: 104-Week Results From BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2

February 2024 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Baricitinib is effective and safe for long-term use in severe alopecia areata, improving hair regrowth and quality of life with few side effects.

research Gut Microbiome, Metabolome and Alopecia Areata

2 citations , November 2023 in “Frontiers in microbiology”

The health of the gut may be important in developing new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat alopecia areata.

research Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib in Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata Over 52 Weeks in Phase III Trials

20 citations , March 2023 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Baricitinib improved severe hair loss in adults over 52 weeks and was safe to use.

research Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Janus Kinase Inhibitors Used in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10 citations , January 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

Baricitinib and deuruxolitinib are effective for treating alopecia areata, but their efficacy depends on the dose.

research Alopecia Areata: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Recommendations of the Polish Society of Dermatology. Part 2: Treatment

1 citations , January 2023 in “Przegląd Dermatologiczny”

The Polish Society of Dermatology recommends treatments for alopecia areata that vary by severity, including topical and systemic medications, with long-term maintenance important for management.

Alopecia Areata: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society, Part 1: Diagnosis and Severity Assessment

research Alopecia Areata: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society, Part 1: Diagnosis and Severity Assessment

January 2023 in “Przegla̧d dermatologiczny”

There are two main types of alopecia areata with different severity, and diagnosis is made through clinical examination and trichoscopy, influencing treatment choices.

research How Our Microbiome Influences the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

4 citations , October 2022 in “Genes”

Our microbiome may affect the development of the hair loss condition Alopecia Areata, but more research is needed to understand this relationship.

research An Overview of JAK/STAT Pathways and JAK Inhibition in Alopecia Areata

40 citations , August 2022 in “Frontiers in immunology”

Blocking JAK/STAT pathways can help treat hair loss from alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata: An Update on Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

290 citations , August 2021 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

JAK inhibitors show promise for treating alopecia areata, but more research is needed.

research A Phase 2a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of the Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitors Ritlecitinib and Brepocitinib in Alopecia Areata: 24-Week Results

138 citations , March 2021 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Ritlecitinib and brepocitinib effectively regrow hair in alopecia areata patients.

research Alopecia Areata: A Review on Diagnosis, Immunological Etiopathogenesis, and Treatment Options

56 citations , January 2021 in “Clinical and Experimental Medicine”

The document concludes that while there are various treatments for Alopecia Areata, there is no cure, and individualized treatment plans are essential due to varying effectiveness.

research Emerging Topical and Systemic JAK Inhibitors in Dermatology

277 citations , December 2019 in “Frontiers in Immunology”

JAK inhibitors show promise for treating skin disorders like alopecia, eczema, and psoriasis.

research Janus Kinase Inhibitors: An Innovative Treatment for Alopecia Areata

11 citations , June 2019 in “Journal of dermatology”

New medicines that block a specific pathway are showing promise for treating severe hair loss but need more testing for safety and effectiveness.

research Janus Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata: An Open-Label Comparative Study

66 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology”

Both ruxolitinib and tofacitinib are effective and safe for treating severe alopecia areata, but relapses are common.

research Treatment of Alopecia Universalis with Topical Janus Kinase Inhibitors – A Double Blind, Placebo, and Active Controlled Pilot Study

49 citations , August 2018 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Topical JAK inhibitors may help treat alopecia universalis by promoting hair regrowth.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Insights from January 2018

290 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, influenced by genetics, stress, and diet, and may be prevented by a high soy oil diet.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 6 results

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

in Chat 35 upvotes 1 year 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.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community Article of all potential future cures

in Treatment 25 upvotes 8 months ago

Ritlecitinib and PP405 show promise for hair regrowth. Diagnosing the cause of hair loss is crucial before treatment.

community 8 months apart on the mother of all stacks

in Progress Pictures 151 upvotes 2 years ago

User Tricky9555 tried various hair loss treatments for 8 months with no visible results. Others suggested considering a hair transplant, checking thyroid levels, and being patient for up to 24 months for potential results.

community Is it ok to take Xeljanz (A jak inhibitor) while taking finasteride?

in Finasteride 2 upvotes 8 years ago

The conversation is about whether it is safe to take Xeljanz, a JAK inhibitor, while also taking finasteride for hair loss. The concern is that Xeljanz weakens the immune system, which could be risky.

community Novel Formulation To Put An End To Hair Loss Once And For All.

in Research/Science 116 upvotes 2 months ago

A pharmacy student proposed a hair loss treatment using minoxidil, finasteride, clascoterone, and tretinoin, aiming for high effectiveness with minimal side effects. Reactions were mixed, with some questioning its feasibility and others showing interest.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Janus Kinase Inhibitors Used in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10 citations , January 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

Baricitinib and deuruxolitinib are effective for treating alopecia areata, but their efficacy depends on the dose.

Ideal JAK Inhibitor for Alopecia Areata: Baricitinib, Tofacitinib, Ritlecitinib, or Ifidancitinib - Revisiting the Immunomechanisms of the JAK Pathway

research Ideal JAK Inhibitor for Alopecia Areata: Baricitinib, Tofacitinib, Ritlecitinib, or Ifidancitinib - Revisiting the Immunomechanisms of the JAK Pathway

January 2023 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

No single ideal JAK inhibitor for alopecia areata has been determined; JAK3 inhibitors may be promising with fewer side effects.

research Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis, Current Treatments, and Future Perspectives

March 2025 in “Journal of Education Health and Sport”

Alopecia areata causes hair loss due to immune issues, and while new treatments show promise, no universally effective solution exists yet.

research Alopecia Areata: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Recommendations of the Polish Society of Dermatology. Part 2: Treatment

1 citations , January 2023 in “Przegląd Dermatologiczny”

The Polish Society of Dermatology recommends treatments for alopecia areata that vary by severity, including topical and systemic medications, with long-term maintenance important for management.

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata With JAK Inhibitors: A Review of the Literature

January 2025 in “Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina Pannonica et Adriatica”

JAK inhibitors can help regrow hair in alopecia areata but have potential long-term risks and require careful monitoring.