Tofacitinib 2% Ointment, a Topical Janus Kinase Inhibitor, for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Pilot Study of 10 Patients

    November 2017 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”
    Lucy Liu, Brittany G. Craiglow, Brett King
    Image of study
    TLDR Tofacitinib 2% ointment helped hair regrow in 3 out of 10 patients with alopecia areata, but caused side effects like scalp irritation and raised cholesterol in some.
    In a 24-week pilot study involving 10 patients with alopecia areata (AA), the application of tofacitinib 2% ointment, a topical Janus kinase inhibitor, twice daily resulted in hair regrowth in 3 out of 10 subjects. The mean decrease in Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score among these responders was 34.6%, with one patient showing a 61% improvement. However, the study also noted adverse events such as scalp skin irritation in 40% of patients and folliculitis in 10%, both of which resolved without treatment. Additionally, 40% of patients experienced a minimal elevation in total cholesterol. The study concluded that while the level of response to topical tofacitinib was less than that seen with oral tofacitinib, it was similar to that reported with clobetasol 0.05% ointment under occlusion. Further research was deemed necessary to better understand the treatment of AA with topical JAK inhibitors.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    4 / 4 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 8 results
      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 5 months 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 What else is good. Besides the big 3.

      in Chat  34 upvotes 6 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 IGE Hair Loss and Miniaturization

      in Chat  2 upvotes 1 week ago
      A 23-year-old male is experiencing diffuse hair loss and miniaturization, possibly due to high IGE levels after using tofacitinib. He seeks advice and has not yet consulted a dermatologist.

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

       6 upvotes 9 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 No hair, don't care! [24/F] :)

       61 upvotes 9 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.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results