Arthritis drug restores 100% of hair on some patients with severe alopecia in global trial
For many, losing hair isn’t just a cosmetic worry – it is a deeply personal struggle that can chip away at confidence, social life and mental health. Now, a surprising candidate is offering new hope: a pill originally designed to treat arthritis. The condition is called alopecia areata. It is an autoimmune disease where the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing…
A new arthritis drug, upadacitinib, has shown promising results in restoring hair growth for patients with severe alopecia areata, a condition characterized by autoimmune hair loss. Conducted by researchers at Harvard University, the global trial involved over 200 participants who experienced an average hair loss of 84% on their scalps.
The once-daily oral medication, initially approved for treating arthritis, was found to effectively calm the immune system and promote hair regrowth. Within 24 weeks, half of the participants taking upadacitinib experienced at least 80% regrowth, with over 35% achieving deep regrowth and 20% regaining a completely full head of hair.
The drug's safety profile matched its known use in arthritis treatment, with no unexpected side effects reported. While not yet approved specifically for alopecia areata, the findings provide a promising new treatment option for those struggling with this emotionally and socially impactful condition.
Brief written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
