💡 Quick answer
The landmark clinical studies, treatment history and latest research for Alopecia areata & the new JAK inhibitors — fact-checked and sourced.
Key termsAlopecia areata
Research & evidence
How treatment evolved
2022FDA approves baricitinib (Olumiant) on June 13, 2022 for adults with severe alopecia areata — the first systemic/oral treatment ever approved in the US for the disease.
2022Pivotal BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 phase 3 results published in the New England Journal of Medicine (King et al., NEJM 2022;386:1687–1699), establishing oral JAK1/2 inhibition as effective for severe AA.
2023FDA approves ritlecitinib (Litfulo), a JAK3/TEC inhibitor, on June 23, 2023 for severe AA in adults and adolescents aged 12+ — the first treatment approved for the adolescent population.
2024FDA approves deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi), an oral JAK1/2 inhibitor, on July 25, 2024 for adults with severe AA — the third JAK inhibitor approved for the indication.
Key clinical studies
King et al. (BRAVE-AA1 & BRAVE-AA2), 20222022
Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials; 654 (BRAVE-AA1) + 546 (BRAVE-AA2) adults with severe AA (baseline SALT >=50)
At week 36, a SALT score <=20 (>=80% scalp coverage) was achieved by 38.8% on baricitinib 4 mg, 22.8% on 2 mg, vs 6.2% on placebo (BRAVE-AA1); and 35.9%, 19.4%, vs 3.3% respectively (BRAVE-AA2).
NEJM (N Engl J Med 2022;386:1687-1699)
King et al. (ALLEGRO phase 2b/3), 20232023
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b-3 trial; 718 patients aged >=12 with AA and >=50% scalp hair loss, 118 sites in 18 countries
At week 24, 23% on ritlecitinib 50 mg/day achieved SALT<=20 vs 2% placebo (p<0.0001); rose to ~43% by week 48
King et al. (THRIVE-AA1), 20242024
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial; adults 18-65 with AA and >=50% scalp hair loss (part of the ~1,220-patient THRIVE-AA1/AA2 program)
At week 24, a SALT score <=20 was achieved by 41.5% on deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily and 29.6% on 8 mg twice daily vs ~0.8% on placebo.
JAAD (J Am Acad Dermatol 2024)
Latest research: Recent research (2023-2026) emphasizes long-term durability and safety data — e.g., 104-week BRAVE-AA and 2-3 year ALLEGRO-LT follow-ups showing sustained or improving regrowth — alongside the expansion of oral JAK inhibitors to adolescents (ritlecitinib) and comparative/real-world effectiveness and head-to-head positioning among baricitinib, ritlecitinib, and deuruxolitinib. Note: deuruxolitinib's US launch was delayed by patent litigation despite its 2024 approval.
Summaries reflect published, peer-reviewed research and are not medical advice. See the linked sources for details.
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Not medical advice. General education only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat
- Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
- Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
- Broken hairs or rapid loss
- Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
- Loss right after a new medication
- Any hair loss in a child