TLDR Baricitinib is effective for treating severe alopecia areata in Japanese patients, but long-term safety needs more study.
This study assessed the real-world effectiveness and safety of baricitinib in 17 Japanese patients with severe alopecia areata over 60 weeks. Patients received 4 mg of baricitinib daily, achieving a SALT20 rate of 64.7% by week 60, with improvements in scalp hair loss observed in 11 patients by week 12. Eyebrow and eyelash improvements were noted in 12 and 11 patients, respectively, by week 24. The study found that alopecia lasting over 4 years reduced treatment effectiveness. Common adverse effects included acne (23.5%) and mildly decreased renal function (11.7%). The findings suggest baricitinib is effective for treating severe alopecia areata, particularly in Japanese or Asian patients, though long-term safety and optimal dosing need further evaluation. The potential for switching JAK inhibitors in non-responders, such as using ritlecitinib, is also highlighted.
June 2024 in “Frontiers in immunology” Sequential therapy with dupilumab and baricitinib improved hair regrowth and atopic dermatitis in a child without adverse reactions.
January 2024 in “Acta dermato-venereologica” 
December 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Baricitinib effectively and safely improves hair growth in patients with severe alopecia areata.
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September 2023 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Hair regrowth from severe alopecia areata treatment with baricitinib can vary, with faster results in those with shorter hair loss duration.
April 2023 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Switching between the medications tofacitinib and baricitinib can be effective for treating hair loss in alopecia areata.
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.
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.
148 citations,
March 2022 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Baricitinib was effective in treating alopecia areata in two major trials.
[object Object] 14 citations,
September 2021 in “Journal of Inflammation Research” Alopecia areata patients, especially women with nail issues or atopic diseases, are at higher risk for other autoimmune diseases.
42 citations,
April 2021 in “JCI insight” Blocking JAK3 signaling can reverse hair loss from alopecia areata.
April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology” A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.
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