Selective, Oral JAK Inhibitor Reduces Severity of Alopecia Areata

Patients with chronic, moderate-to-severe alopecia areata treated with 8 mg or 12 mg of CTP-543 twice daily showed a significant reduction in the severity of alopecia areata, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Researchers conducted a phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential-design trial in which patients were randomized to receive 4 mg, 8 mg, or 12 mg of CTP-543 or placebo every 12 hours for 24 weeks.

In patients with 50% or more relative reduction in Severity of Alopecia Tool scores from baseline at week 24 (9% placebo, 21% 4 mg twice daily, 47% 8 mg twice daily, and 58% 12 mg twice daily) a dose-related increase was observed.

Researchers also observed a statistical significance vs placebo (P < .001) for the 8 mg and 12 mg twice daily groups. Differences from placebo were determined as early as 12 weeks from initiation of treatment.

Authors noted safety results were consistent with the known safety profiles of JAK inhibitors.

“These initial findings are from a relatively small, controlled trial, and additional studies are needed to fully characterize the safety and efficacy of CTP-543 in adult patients with alopecia areata,” concluded study authors.

Reference:
King B, Mesinkovska N, Mirmirani P, et al. Phase 2 randomized, dose-ranging trial of CTP-543, a selective janus kinase inhibitor, in moderate-to-severe alopecia areata. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022; 87(2):306-313. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2022.03.045