Upadacitinib shows promise in treating severe alopecia areata

Two phase 3 clinical trials have demonstrated that upadacitinib (brand name Rinvoq), an oral medication previously approved for rheumatoid arthritis, shows significant promise in treating severe alopecia areata. The studies, published in JAMA Dermatology, involved approximately 1,400 adolescents and adults aged 12 to 64 who had lost at least 50% of their scalp hair.

Results from the 24-week mark showed that approximately 45% of patients on a 15 mg dose and between 54% and 55% of those on a 30 mg dose achieved 80% or greater scalp hair coverage. In contrast, only 1% to 3% of the placebo group reached this threshold.

Long-term data at 52 weeks indicated continued improvement, with 55% to 64% of patients maintaining at least 80% scalp coverage. Notably, between 27% and 37% of participants achieved complete hair regrowth on the scalp within one year. The treatment also showed improvements in eyelashes and eyebrows.