Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug May Support Hair Regrowth in Alopecia
Results from two clinical trials show that a common rheumatoid arthritis drug, upadacitinib, supported hair regrowth in alopecia. Viktoriya Skorikova/Moment/Getty Images Researchers report that the drug upadacitinib, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, effectively treated the hair loss condition alopecia areata in two clinical trials. The medication, sold under the brand name Rinvoq, is a JAK…
A common drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, upadacitinib, may help people with alopecia regrow their hair, according to two clinical trials. Upadacitinib is a JAK inhibitor that can block the immune system response responsible for alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and other body parts.
Researchers found that around half of participants taking both a lower and higher dose of upadacitinib grew enough hair to cover at least 80% of their scalp, while only about 2% of those who received a placebo experienced this level of regrowth. The trials, conducted in 25 countries and 28 countries respectively, involved nearly 1,400 participants aged 12 to 64 with severe alopecia areata.
Upadacitinib, sold under the brand name Rinvoq, could provide another treatment option for those with alopecia areata. However, experts warn that JAK inhibitors are powerful systemic immune modulating drugs with potential serious side effects, and treatment may need to be continued long-term to maintain the regrown hair.
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