Baricitinib is Safe and Effective for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata in Adult Patients

In adult patients with alopecia areata (AA) and at least 50% scalp hair loss, the oral Janus kinase inhibitor baricitinib is a safe and effective treatment option, according to a recent study published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Researchers aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with at least 50% scalp hair loss in a phase 2 study of adults with AA in which patients were randomized to receive placebo, baricitinib 1 mg, 2 mg, or 4 mg once daily. Analyses were conducted after all patients completed weeks 12 and 36 or discontinued treatment prior to these time points. Treatment success was measured using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score less than or equal to 20 at week 36.

In patients who received baricitinib 2 mg, 33% (P=.016) achieved SALT score 20 or less at week 36. A total of 51.9% of patients receiving baricitinib 4 mg achieved SALT score 20 or less at week 36. Baricitinib was well tolerated and safe to use.

“These results support the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with [at least] 50% scalp hair loss,” concluded the study authors.

Reference
King B, Ko J, Forman S, et al. Efficacy and safety of the oral Janus kinase inhibitor baricitinib in the treatment of adults with alopecia areata: phase 2 results from a randomized controlled study. J Am Acad Dermatol. Published online June 3, 2021. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.05.050