Ritlecitinib Efficacy in Adolescents With Alopecia Areata: A Real-World Experience

February 2026 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

P. Franzese, Anna Balato, Eugenia Veronica Di Brizzi, Elvira Moscarella, Vincenzo Piccolo, Giuseppe Argenziano, Elisabetta Fulgione

ritlecitinib JAK3 inhibitor TEC family inhibitor alopecia areata SALT score

Studysummary In a single-center study, adolescents with moderate-to-severe alopecia areata treated with ritlecitinib 50 mg daily for 24 weeks showed significant hair regrowth, with 27.3% achieving near-complete regrowth and 45.5% substantial improvement, without serious safety concerns, according to these researchers. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This study evaluated the efficacy of ritlecitinib, a selective JAK3 and TEC family inhibitor, in treating adolescents with moderate-to-severe alopecia areata (AA). Conducted as a single-center, retrospective observational study, it included 11 patients aged ≥ 12 years, treated with ritlecitinib 50 mg daily for 24 weeks. Results showed that 27.3% of patients achieved near-complete hair regrowth (SALT ≤ 10), and 45.5% showed substantial improvement (SALT ≤ 20) by Week 24. Significant reductions in SALT scores were observed as early as Week 8. Eyebrow and eyelash improvements were also noted, with no serious adverse events reported. These findings align with previous trial data, suggesting ritlecitinib as a promising treatment for adolescent AA, though larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Dupilumab Induces Hair Regrowth in Pediatric Alopecia Areata: A Real-World, Single-Center Observational Study

20 citations , July 2024 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

This study observed that dupilumab led to significant hair regrowth and was well-tolerated in children with both alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis, showing promise as a safe treatment option for pediatric patients with associated atopy.

research Efficacy and Safety of Ritlecitinib in Adolescents with Alopecia Areata: Results from the ALLEGRO Phase 2b/3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

48 citations , July 2023 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

This study found that among adolescents with alopecia areata and significant hair loss, treatment with ritlecitinib resulted in greater hair regrowth and self-reported improvement compared to placebo over 48 weeks, with common side effects including headache, acne, and nasopharyngitis.

research Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Alopecia Areata in Adolescents With Baricitinib: A Retrospective Review of 29 Patients

January 2023 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 79% of adolescents with moderate-to-severe alopecia areata treated with baricitinib experienced significant scalp hair regrowth, although further research is needed to confirm these results.