A Novel Topical Compound Gel Loading Minoxidil and Tofacitinib for Treatment of Alopecia Areata: Formulation, Characterization, and In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation

The study introduces a novel topical compound gel combining minoxidil and the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib for treating alopecia areata (AA). While minoxidil is commonly used for AA, its effectiveness is limited in moderate to severe cases due to its inability to address local inflammation. The new gel formulation not only promotes hair follicle growth but also significantly reduces local inflammatory responses by modulating the ratio of inflammatory factor interferon-γ to anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-4 in C3H/HeN mice with AA. The gel demonstrated good stability for up to 3 months under accelerated conditions, suggesting its potential for long-term use. This innovative combination offers a promising approach for the clinical treatment of AA.