Systematic Review and Indirect Treatment Comparisons of Ritlecitinib Against Baricitinib in Alopecia Areata

This systematic review and indirect treatment comparison evaluated the efficacy and safety of ritlecitinib and baricitinib for severe alopecia areata using data from four randomized controlled trials. Both treatments showed similar efficacy in achieving hair regrowth, as measured by the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT), with no significant differences found between ritlecitinib 50 mg and baricitinib 4 mg at Week 24 for SALT ≤10 and SALT ≤20 endpoints. The analysis, which included adjustments for factors such as sex and disease duration, indicated effect modification but did not alter the relative efficacy between the two drugs. The findings, consistent at Week 48/52, suggest comparable outcomes for both treatments, though the study acknowledges considerable uncertainty and the need for further research.