Janus kinase inhibitors for alopecia areata: A narrative review

Abstract

The Janus kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway has been identified as a key player in the pathophysiology of alopecia areata and a potential target for therapy. Here, we give a narrative review of what is known about Janus kinase inhibitors in alopecia areata. Several clinical trials as well as smaller studies have demonstrated hair regrowth and remission with oral Janus kinase inhibitors therapy, even in patients who failed conventional treatment. Baricitinib is the only US FDA-approved treatment for alopecia areata but data for other oral Janus kinase inhibitors such as tofacitinib, ruxolitinib and ritlecitinib are also promising. Fewer clinical trials have investigated topical Janus kinase inhibitors for alopecia areata, with many of them terminated early due to unfavourable results. Overall, Janus kinase inhibitors are an efficacious addition to the therapeutic arsenal for treatment-refractory alopecia areata. Further work is needed to examine the effects of long-term usage of Janus kinase inhibitors, the efficacy of topical Janus kinase inhibitors, as well as to identify biomarkers that could predict differential therapeutic responses to the various Janus kinase inhibitors.

Keywords: JAK inhibitor; alopecia areata; autoimmune disease; hair loss.