AbbVie’s Rinvoq approved for severe alopecia areata in South Korea

AbbVie Korea has received domestic approval for Rinvoq (upadacitinib), an oral JAK1 inhibitor, to treat severe alopecia areata. During a press conference held on the 28th, medical experts presented results from Phase 3 clinical trials (UP-AA-1 and UP-AA-2) involving 1,399 patients aged 12 to 64.

The trials demonstrated significant hair regrowth by week 24. In the 30mg dosage group, approximately 54% to 55% of patients achieved a SALT score of ≤20, meaning they recovered 80% or more of their scalp hair. Additionally, about 20% of the 30mg group achieved complete scalp hair regrowth (SALT=0).

While the approval expands treatment options for this autoimmune disease, medical professionals raised concerns regarding current health insurance coverage. Experts noted that strict criteria and a maximum two-year coverage limit may create a “blind spot,” potentially excluding patients who show delayed responses after one year or those requiring long-term maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.