Observation and Consideration on Using of JAKi in Clinical Trials in Times of COVID-19
July 2020
in “
Dermatologic therapy
”
TLDR Using Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) in COVID-19 treatment requires careful consideration due to their immunosuppressive effects.
The document discussed the use of JAK inhibitors (JAKi) like tofacitinib for treating alopecia areata (AA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlighted concerns about increased infection risks due to JAKi, given their role in the JAK/STAT pathway, which is involved in severe COVID-19 cases. The study reported on three AA patients in Hubei, China, who took JAKi during the pandemic and did not contract COVID-19. Two patients showed hair growth, while one did not. The authors concluded that JAKi did not increase COVID-19 infection risk in these cases but emphasized the need for more data to confirm the safety and efficacy of JAKi during the pandemic. They also provided recommendations for safely continuing clinical trials during such times.
