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Kalil L, King B. Innovation in Alopecia Areata. Dermatol Clin 2025; 43:27-33. [PMID: 39542562 DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2024.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
Advances in understanding of AA have led to the first approved therapies for this disease, and in the past two years, there have been three medicines approved for the treatment of severe alopecia areata. There are numerous clinical trials of novel therapeutics underway across the spectrum of AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Kalil
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Brett King
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208059, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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2
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Dall'Oglio F, Nasca MR, Lacarrubba F, Vitale P, Micali G. Alopecia areata treatment with baricitinib: different relapse phenotypes. J DERMATOL TREAT 2024; 35:2324832. [PMID: 38465657 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2324832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
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De la Torre-Gomar FJ, Velasco-Amador JP, Prados-Carmona Á, Ruiz-Villaverde R. Complete response of extensive alopecia areata refractory to baricitinib after five months of treatment with upadacitinib. J DERMATOL TREAT 2024; 35:2304630. [PMID: 38240097 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2304630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
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Mostaghimi A, Augustin M, Harada K, Senna M, Dutronc Y, Yu G, Ball S, Murage M, Kolodsick J, Brogan Y, King B. Continued treatment with baricitinib results in meaningful scalp responses among scalp non-responder patients with eyebrow/eyelash regrowth in the first year. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024. [PMID: 39569884 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.20334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Augustin
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kazutoshi Harada
- Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maryanne Senna
- Lahey Dermatology, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yves Dutronc
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Guanglei Yu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Susan Ball
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | | | - Brett King
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Guo HW, Ye ZM, Chen SQ, McElwee KJ. Innovative strategies for the discovery of new drugs against alopecia areata: taking aim at the immune system. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:1321-1338. [PMID: 39360759 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2409660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The autoimmune hair loss condition alopecia areata (AA) exacts a substantial psychological and socioeconomic toll on patients. Biotechnology companies, dermatology clinics, and research institutions are dedicated to understanding AA pathogenesis and developing new therapeutic approaches. Despite recent efforts, many knowledge gaps persist, and multiple treatment development avenues remain unexplored. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes key AA disease mechanisms, current therapeutic methods, and emerging treatments, including Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. The authors determine that innovative drug discovery strategies for AA are still needed due to continued unmet medical needs and the limited efficacy of current and emerging therapeutics. For prospective AA treatment developers, the authors identify the pre-clinical disease models available, their advantages, and limitations. Further, they outline treatment development opportunities that remain largely unmapped. EXPERT OPINION While recent advancements in AA therapeutics are promising, challenges remain, including the lack of consistent treatment efficacy, long-term use and safety issues, drug costs, and patient compliance. Future drug development research should focus on patient stratification utilizing robust biomarkers of AA disease activity and improved quantification of treatment response. Investigating superior modes of drug application and developing combination therapies may further improve outcomes. Spirited innovation will be needed to advance more effective treatments for AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Wei Guo
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Ye
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Si-Qi Chen
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Kevin J McElwee
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Skin Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
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Zhang X, Jiang Y. Predictors and Management of Inadequate Response to JAK Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata. Am J Clin Dermatol 2024; 25:975-986. [PMID: 39225949 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-024-00884-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by non-scarring hair loss on the scalp or other hair-bearing surface. In recent years, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have shown promise in the treatment of alopecia areata by disrupting the signaling pathways involved in immune-mediated hair follicle damage. However, some patients with alopecia areata exhibit insufficient responses to JAK inhibitors. This review aims to explore the predictive factors for poor responses to JAK inhibitors in patients with alopecia areata and to discuss alternative treatment strategies in such cases. Patients with a longer duration of the current episode and higher baseline severity are at an increased risk of inadequate JAK inhibitor responses. Oral administration rather than topical application, and extended treatment durations, correlate with a favorable response. Notably, the poor response to JAK inhibitors in alopecia areata may be related to the amount and functional depletion of regulatory T cells resulting from an augmented T helper-2-type immune response. For patients with poor responses to JAK inhibitors, treatment adjustments may include increasing the dosage, extending the treatment duration, combination therapies, or switching to alternative JAK inhibitors. For patients with atopic comorbidities or psychological problems, it is important to select corresponding treatment options to optimize patient outcomes. Further research is needed to establish more reliable predictors and improve overall patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhang
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiqun Jiang
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
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Perricone C, Dal Pozzolo R, Cafaro G, Calvacchi S, Bruno L, Tromby F, Colangelo A, Gerli R, Bartoloni E. Sudden improvement of alopecia universalis and psoriatic arthritis while receiving upadacitinib: a case-based review. Reumatismo 2024. [PMID: 39470166 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2024.1685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Alopecia universalis (AU), an advanced form of alopecia areata (AA), is a condition characterized by the complete loss of hair over the entire skin surface. Recent progress has significantly enhanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of AU. In particular, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-15 seem to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Nonetheless, a variety of medications has been used to treat the disease with frequently inconsistent results. Given the broad modulation of the immune system and inhibition of key molecules, including IFN-γ and IL-15, oral janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent a treatment option for moderate to severe cases of AA, as demonstrated in case reports supporting their efficacy and tolerability. We present the case of a patient suffering from psoriatic arthritis and AU who experienced a sudden improvement in peripheral arthritis and AU while receiving JAK1 selective treatment with upadacitinib. So far, there are very limited case reports of successful upadacitinib treatment for patients with AA, mostly in patients also suffering from atopic dermatitis. Thus, we provide evidence for the efficacy of upadacitinib in managing AU in adults, also in the context of an inflammatory arthritis such as psoriatic arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Perricone
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | - R Dal Pozzolo
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | - G Cafaro
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | - S Calvacchi
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | - L Bruno
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | - F Tromby
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | - A Colangelo
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | - R Gerli
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
| | - E Bartoloni
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia
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Gates E, Takwale A, Jamal MS. From joint pains to hair gains: baricitinib's double duty for rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia areata. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e260021. [PMID: 39455076 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-260021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Personalised medicine is a key goal across medical specialties today: using biomarkers and knowledge of pathophysiology to ensure the right patients get the right treatment. This becomes more challenging when patients have more than one disease requiring a targeted treatment. Autoimmune diseases commonly co-occur, and thus, multidisciplinary working is important in rheumatology. We present a case where a patient with a new diagnosis of alopecia areata on a background of rheumatoid arthritis was successfully treated with baricitinib monotherapy, with improvement in both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emer Gates
- Rheumatology, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
- Medicine, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
| | - Anita Takwale
- Dermatology, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
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King B, Ko J, Kwon O, Vañó-Galván S, Piraccini BM, Dutronc Y, Yu G, Liu C, Somani N, Ball S, Mesinkovska NA. Baricitinib Withdrawal and Retreatment in Patients With Severe Alopecia Areata: The BRAVE-AA1 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol 2024; 160:1075-1081. [PMID: 39141364 PMCID: PMC11325239 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.2734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Importance Baricitinib has demonstrated efficacy for treating severe alopecia areata in adults. There is currently limited information about the need for continuous therapy after achieving scalp hair regrowth. Objective To report results from the randomized withdrawal period of the BRAVE-AA1 trial. Design, Setting, and Participants BRAVE-AA1 was a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 randomized clinical trial with a treatment withdrawal substudy that was conducted at 70 centers in 3 countries beginning in March 2019. It included 654 adults with severe alopecia areata (AA) (Severity of Alopecia Tool [SALT] score ≥50) who were randomized 3:2:2 to receive treatment with baricitinib, 4 mg; baricitinib, 2 mg; or placebo. Data were analyzed in August 2023. Intervention At week 52, 154 patients who were responders (SALT score ≤20) were rerandomized 3:1 to continue to take their current dose of baricitinib or transition to placebo (randomized withdrawal). Responders randomized to placebo who experienced a loss of treatment benefit (>20-point worsening in SALT score) at any time after week 52 were retreated with their original baricitinib dose. Main Outcome and Measures The proportion of patients who lost treatment benefit through week 152 and the proportion of patients who recaptured response after retreatment. The last observation carried forward was used to impute missing or censored data. Results Of 654 patients who received treatment, the mean (SD) age was 37.1 (13.0) years, and there were 383 women (58.6%). At week 52, 10 of 39 responders taking baricitinib, 2 mg, and 30 of 115 responders taking baricitinib, 4 mg, were rerandomized to placebo. At 4 and 8 weeks of treatment withdrawal, 0% and 10% to 11% of patients, respectively, lost treatment benefit regardless of dose. At week 152, 80% of patients had lost benefit compared with 7% for those who continued baricitinib therapy for both dose groups. Within the follow-up observation periods, 5 of 8 patients taking 2 mg (63%) and 21 of 24 patients taking 4 mg (87.5%) recaptured a SALT score of 20 or less response after retreatment. Conclusions and Relevance Severe AA is a chronic, relapsing condition, and this randomized clinical trial found that withdrawal of therapy for a patient population with severe AA who had achieved meaningful hair regrowth after 1 year of treatment with baricitinib resulted in loss of benefit for almost all patients, indicating that continued therapy is required to maintain hair regrowth. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03570749.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett King
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Justin Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Ohsang Kwon
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sergio Vañó-Galván
- Hair Disorders Unit, Dermatology Service, Ramon y Cajal Hospital, TricoHRC Research Group, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, University of Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bianca Maria Piraccini
- Dermatology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Guanglei Yu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | - Susan Ball
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Caldarola G, Raimondi G, Samela T, Pinto L, Pampaloni F, Starace MVR, Diluvio L, Dall'Oglio F, Vagnozzi E, de Felici del Giudice MB, Balestri R, Ambrogio F, Girolomoni G, Riva SF, Moro F, Atzori L, Gallo G, Ribero S, Simonetti O, Barruscotti S, Boccaletti V, Marzano AV, Bianchi L, Micali G, Piraccini BM, Fargnoli MC, Abeni D, Peris K. Assessing a measure for Quality of Life in patients with severe Alopecia Areata: a multicentric Italian study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1415334. [PMID: 39220459 PMCID: PMC11363427 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1415334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients diagnosed with Alopecia Areata (AA) is very high and this significant burden of psychological symptoms threatens the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of affected patients. Indeed, AA often does not produce significant physical symptoms, but it nonetheless disrupts many areas of mental health. Clinical assessment of disease severity may not reliably predict patient's HRQoL, nor may it predict the patient's perception of illness. For this reason, considerable effort has been made to apply and develop measures that consider patient's perception and assess the HRQoL of individuals affected by AA. The aim of this multicentric study was to provide the Italian version of the Skindex-16AA and to evaluate its psychometric properties in a clinical sample of consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe AA. Methods This is a longitudinal, multicenter, observational study. Patients returned for follow-up visits at 4-, 12-, and 24-weeks. The analyses of the current work aimed to confirm the factorial structure of the Skindex-16AA. In the case of non-fit, an alternative structure for the model was proposed, using an Exploratory Graph Analysis and the Bayesian approach. Results The sample was composed of 106 patients with AA. Alopecia Universalis was the most frequently diagnosed type of alopecia at all time points. The analyses on the Skindex-16AA revealed that a two-factor structure with eight items fit the data best (Bayesian Posterior Predictive Checking using 95% Confidence Interval for the Difference Between the Observed and the Replicated Chi-Square values = -6.246/56.395, Posterior Predictive P-value = 0.06), and reported satisfactory psychometric properties (i.e., internal consistency and convergent validity). Conclusion The Skindex-8AA demonstrated optimal psychometric properties (i.e., convergent and construct validity, and test-retest reliability) measured in a sample of patients with AA, that may suggest that it is an appropriate tool to measure the HRQoL in AA patients. However, further studies are needed in order to confirm and tested other psychometric features of this tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Caldarola
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli—IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Raimondi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Tonia Samela
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pinto
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli—IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pampaloni
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Valeria Rita Starace
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Diluvio
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico di Tor Vergata, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Vagnozzi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Ambrogio
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Giampiero Girolomoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Sezione di Dermatologia, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Francesca Riva
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Section of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Dermatology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Atzori
- Dermatology Unit, Department Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gallo
- Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Ribero
- Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Oriana Simonetti
- Clinica Dermatologica—Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari Università Politecnica delle Marche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Barruscotti
- Dermatology Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valeria Boccaletti
- Clinica Dermatologica, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angelo Valerio Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico di Tor Vergata, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Bianca Maria Piraccini
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Fargnoli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Damiano Abeni
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ketty Peris
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli—IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Tang GT, Triwongwaranat D, Sinclair R, Joseph S, Eisman S, Rathnayake D, Varathan V, Trindade de Carvalho L, Bhoyrul B. Treatment of moderate-to-severe alopecia areata in patients over the age of 65 years with baricitinib. Clin Exp Dermatol 2024; 49:875-878. [PMID: 38270233 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llae033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Baricitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that has been approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration for the treatment of severe alopecia areata (AA) in adults. However, the clinical trials that demonstrated the efficacy of baricitinib in the treatment of severe AA did not include men aged > 60 years or women aged > 70 years. We retrospectively assessed the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in 14 patients aged ≥ 65 years with moderate-to-severe AA. After a mean (SD) duration of 18.5 (11.9) months, a 72% reduction in mean Severity of Alopecia Tool score from baseline was observed. Partial or complete eyebrow and eyelash hair was observed in 57% and 43% of patients, respectively. The adverse effects of baricitinib were mild. No cases of venous thromboembolism, major adverse cardiovascular events or malignancy were reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gia Toan Tang
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Sinclair Dermatology, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daranporn Triwongwaranat
- Sinclair Dermatology, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rodney Sinclair
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Sinclair Dermatology, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shobha Joseph
- Sinclair Dermatology, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Bevin Bhoyrul
- Sinclair Dermatology, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Song CJ, Riley CA, Wilkison BD, Cho S. A Review of JAK Inhibitors for Treatment of Alopecia Areata in the Military Health Care System. Mil Med 2024:usae292. [PMID: 38850223 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alopecia areata (AA) is a disease that manifests as patchy hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body; severe disease may result in disfigurement, functional impairment, and significant psychological distress. This condition is understood to be caused by autoimmunity to the hair follicle and subsequent arrest of hair growth. New medications, baricitinib and ritlecitinib, belong to the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor family and are among the first FDA-approved treatments for severe AA. In this manuscript, we aim to answer the question: What treatment options exist for AA in the military health care system (MHS)? In doing so, we review the pathogenesis, physical and psychosocial impact of AA, conventional treatment of AA, and the efficacy and safety of baricitinib and ritlecitinib. METHODS A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Ovid for the history and pathogenesis of AA, psychosocial impact of disease, functional impairments, and current treatments. Keywords "alopecia areata," "current therapy for alopecia areata," "pathogenesis alopecia areata," "baricitinib," "ritlecitinib," "JAK inhibitor alopecia," "JAK inhibitor safety," "baricitinib efficacy," "alopecia eyelash," "alopecia nails," and "psychosocial impact of alopecia" were used for the search. The TRICARE manual was searched for guidelines applicable to the treatment of AA, DoD Instruction 6130.03 Volume 2 for medical standards for military service, and the U.S. Central Command Modification 15 for fitness of deployment to Central Command area of operations. RESULTS Traditional treatments such as intralesional steroids may be effective for some patients, but difficulty lies in controlling extensive or refractory disease. Janus kinase inhibitors, baricitinib and ritlecitinib, are found effective at improving severe refractory disease; baricitinib induced hair regrowth in 32.6% more patients than placebo, and ritlecitinib was found to be superior to placebo by at least 24%. Currently, there is no coverage for therapeutic treatment of hair growth in the MHS. Additionally, military members are disqualified for continued service if they require immunomodulator medications such as baricitinib and ritlecitinib. Those on immunomodulators are unable to deploy worldwide. CONCLUSIONS Baricitinib and ritlecitinib are effective treatments for widespread, progressive, and refractory AA. Although JAK inhibitors demonstrate improved effectiveness compared to non-immunomodulator treatments, their use in the MHS for this purpose is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Song
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Christopher A Riley
- Department of Medicine, Dermatology Service, Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, GA 30905, USA
| | - Bart D Wilkison
- Department of Dermatology, Lyster Army Health Clinic, Fort Novosel, AL 36362, USA
| | - Sunghun Cho
- Department of Dermatology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Mostaghimi A, Ko J, Tosti A, McMichael A, Ohyama M, Ito T, Dutronc Y, Ball S, Yu G, Murage M, Chen YF, Chiasserini C, Wollenberg A. Concordance between clinician-reported and patient-reported outcomes of eyebrow and eyelash hair loss in patients with severe alopecia areata: Results from BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 studies. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024:S0190-9622(24)00846-6. [PMID: 38852742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Mostaghimi
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justin Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Amy McMichael
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Manabu Ohyama
- Department of Dermatology, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taisuke Ito
- Department of Dermatology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | | | - Susan Ball
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Guanglei Yu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | | | - Andreas Wollenberg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Augsburg University Hospital, Augsburg, Germany
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14
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Ahmed F, Rahman SM, Trent S, Haque A. The development of oral hairy leukoplakia during baricitinib therapy. JAAD Case Rep 2024; 48:141-143. [PMID: 38868159 PMCID: PMC11167197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Ahmed
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Syed Minhaj Rahman
- College of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Sarah Trent
- Pennsylvania Dermatology Partners, Yardley, Pennsylvania
| | - Adel Haque
- Pennsylvania Dermatology Partners, Yardley, Pennsylvania
- Department of Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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15
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Desai DD, Nohria A, Lo Sicco KI, Shapiro J. Treatment Challenges in Alopecia Areata: Insights From a Case of Baricitinib Therapy Failure. Cureus 2024; 16:e63120. [PMID: 39055467 PMCID: PMC11271686 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) has long been considered a challenging clinical condition, with dermatologists traditionally employing corticosteroids and immunosuppressants in search of effective solutions. The introduction of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), specifically the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of baricitinib, marked a significant breakthrough in the treatment of AA. Clinical trials have shown promising results with baricitinib, and reports of relapse after initial success are scarce. We present a unique case of a 30-year-old male with severe patch-type AA who initially responded well to baricitinib treatment but later experienced a relapse despite continued treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deesha D Desai
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Ambika Nohria
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Kristen I Lo Sicco
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Jerry Shapiro
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
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16
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Chim I, Ghiya R, Sinclair RD, Eisman S. Novel investigational drugs for alopecia areata and future perspectives. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:441-449. [PMID: 38682280 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2348062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated disease that causes non-scarring hair loss. While acute, solitary patches often spontaneously remit, developing secondary patches or failure of the disease to resolve within 6-12 months predicts a poor prognosis, with an increased risk of alopecia totalis or universalis. Chronic AA increases the risk of depression and suicidality and reduces quality of life. Treatment options for chronic or acute diffuse AA were previously limited to corticosteroids and traditional immunomodulators. Two Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are now approved for the treatment of chronic AA. AREAS COVERED The results of landmark phase 3 trials for three JAK inhibitors, baricitinib, ritlecitinib, and deuruxolitinib are discussed. Evidence for other JAK inhibitors, biologics, and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are also presented. Therapies currently undergoing clinical trials are listed. EXPERT OPINION JAK inhibitors are a safe and efficacious treatment of moderate-to-severe AA. Early intervention, regardless of severity, allows for improved treatment efficacy. It is uncertain how long patients should remain on JAK inhibitors; discontinuation often leads to relapse. A black-box warning for JAK inhibitors was extrapolated from safety data in a rheumatoid arthritis cohort; recent meta-analyses of JAK inhibitors used in dermatology cohorts do not demonstrate the same risk profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Chim
- Sinclair Dermatology, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Rodney D Sinclair
- Sinclair Dermatology, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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von Martial S, Tsianakas A. [Janus kinase inhibitors : Indications, efficacy, uses, what should be taken into account?]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 75:256-267. [PMID: 38100043 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) represent an immunomodulatory targeted therapy in various dermatoses. Throughout the past few years, JAKi have been approved for atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis vulgaris (PSO), alopecia areata (AA), and vitiligo. Further indications are currently under investigation. In this article the various systenic and topical JAKi used in dermatology are being presented regarding their efficacy and safety profile. A specific focus will be set on handling with safety issues including screening and control measures during treatment with JAKi. In addition, future use of JAKi in various dermatological diseases for which nowadays only insufficient therapy options are available is being discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia von Martial
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Fachklinik Bad Bentheim, Am Bade 1, 48455, Bad Bentheim, Deutschland
| | - Athanasios Tsianakas
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Fachklinik Bad Bentheim, Am Bade 1, 48455, Bad Bentheim, Deutschland.
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18
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Inoue S, Suzuki T, Sano S, Katayama I. JAK inhibitors for the treatment of vitiligo. J Dermatol Sci 2024; 113:86-92. [PMID: 38326166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease involving melanocyte-targeting T cells initiated by environmental and genetic factors. Steroids and tacrolimus have been used as topical treatments. Recently, novel topical agents targeting Janus kinase (JAK), a family of tyrosine kinases that regulates cytokine signaling, have emerged. Ruxolitinib is the first approved in vitiligo therapy. Furthermore, ritlecitinib is currently under clinical trials for oral treatment of active vitiligo. In this review, we discuss the possibility of topical JAK inhibitors as promising options for the treatment of vitiligo with regard to their mechanism of action, efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Inoue
- Department of Cosmetic Health Science, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
| | - Tamio Suzuki
- Department of Dermatology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Sano
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Ichiro Katayama
- Department of Pigmentation Research and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
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19
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Senna M, Mostaghimi A, Ohyama M, Sinclair R, Dutronc Y, Wu WS, Yu G, Chiasserini C, Somani N, Holzwarth K, King B. Long-term efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with severe alopecia areata: 104-week results from BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:583-593. [PMID: 38391212 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficacy of the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib for severe alopecia areata (AA) continuously increased over 52 weeks in two Phase 3 trials. There are limited long-term data on JAK inhibitors in AA. OBJECTIVES To evaluate efficacy and safety of baricitinib for severe AA through 104 weeks of continuous therapy. METHODS Integrated data from the BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 Phase 3 trials included adults with Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores ≥50 (≥50% scalp hair loss) randomized to and continuously treated with 2-mg or 4-mg baricitinib through Week 104. Patients who qualified to remain on continuous treatment included subjects who achieved SALT score ≤20 at Week 52 (Week-52 responders; 2-mg: N = 65; 4-mg: N = 129) and baricitinib 4-mg-treated patients who had SALT score >20 at Week 52 but achieved SALT score ≤20 at prior visit(s) and/or had significant improvement in eyebrow or eyelash hair growth relative to baseline by Week 52 (Week-52 mixed responders; N = 110). Week-104 outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving SALT score ≤20 (≤20% scalp hair loss). Data were censored after treatment discontinuation. RESULTS Among baricitinib 4-mg-treated and baricitinib 2-mg-treated Week-52 responders, 90.7% and 89.2%, respectively, maintained SALT score ≤20 at Week 104. Among Week-52 mixed responders, 39.1% reached SALT score ≤20 by Week 104. Continued improvement in eyebrow and eyelash regrowth was observed across groups. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events were COVID-19, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, nasopharyngitis, acne, urinary tract infection and creatine phosphokinase increase. CONCLUSIONS Baricitinib demonstrated a high level of maintenance of efficacy over 104 weeks in patients with severe AA. Efficacy increased in Week-52 mixed responders, illustrating that long-term treatment is necessary to observe maximum benefit in some patients. No new safety signals were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Senna
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A Mostaghimi
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - M Ohyama
- Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - R Sinclair
- Sinclair Dermatology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Y Dutronc
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - W S Wu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - G Yu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - N Somani
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - K Holzwarth
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - B King
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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20
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Katamanin O, Ch’en PY, Song EJ. Exploring the efficacy of baricitinib in treating alopecia areata after failed Janus kinase inhibitor therapy. JAAD Case Rep 2024; 43:36-39. [PMID: 38125968 PMCID: PMC10731593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Katamanin
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, Illinois
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21
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Panda AK, Ranjan S, Sahu JK. Efficacy of baricitinib for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e14964. [PMID: 37950554 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by abnormal autoantibody production, inflammation, and organ damage. Most SLE treatment strategies aim to induce remission or reduce disease activity while avoiding flares. Baricitinib has been used effectively to manage various inflammatory diseases, and some randomized controlled trials (RCT) have shown that it is beneficial in treating SLE. The current study aims to assess the efficacy of baricitinib in treating SLE patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct were searched to obtain eligible studies for the present meta-analysis. Data such as baseline characteristics of patients, doses of the baricitinib, follow-up duration, and treatment outcome in the form of SLE responder index-4 (SRI-4) and lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) were extracted. Combined odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and probability values were calculated to study the efficacy of baricitinib in treating SLE patients. A p-value less than .05 was taken as significant. Comprehensive meta-analysis v3 was used for all analyses. RESULTS Three articles were found eligible for the present meta-analysis comprising 614 patients with placebo, 614 SLE patients receiving 4 mg, and 621 patients with 2 mg of baricitinib. Meta-analysis revealed a beneficial effect of 4 mg baricitinib in SLE patients compared to placebo, as measured by an increase in the SRI-4 (p = .006, OR = 1.370) and LLDAS (p = .083, OR = 1.252) rates. In contrast to the placebo group, however, patients receiving 2 mg of baricitinib exhibited no significant improvement. The trial sequential analysis revealed the need for additional RCTs to determine the role of baricitinib in treating SLE patients. CONCLUSION In treating SLE patients, administrating a higher dose of baricitinib (4 mg) may be effective. However, additional RCTs in different populations with larger sample sizes are required to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Panda
- Department of Biotechnology, Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur, Odisha, India
- Centre of Excellence on "Bioprospecting of Ethnopharmaceuticals of Southern Odisha" (CoE-BESO), Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur, Odisha, India
| | - Shovit Ranjan
- University Department of Zoology, Kolhan University, Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India
| | - Jayanta K Sahu
- Department of Biology, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Kursud, Balangir, Odisha, India
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22
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Bi L, Wang C, Du Y, Su T, Zhao M, Lin X, Fan W, Sun W. Effectiveness and safety of baricitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe refractory alopecia areata in real world: An open-label, single-center study. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023. [PMID: 38116864 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Baricitinib is a small-molecular drug that selectively inhibits the Janus Kinase (JAK) 1 and 2. However, it showed various efficiency and safety in treating moderate-to-severe alopecia areata (AA). This study was to describe the real-world effectiveness of baricitinib in treating moderate-to-severe refractory AA. METHODS Patients who were affected by moderate-to-severe AA and reported no shrinkage in the alopecia area after 6 months of conventional treatment were enrolled in the retrospective study. The patients were treated with baricitinib orally for at least 24 weeks. The severity of alopecia was evaluated at the end of 4, 12, and 24 weeks of treatment. RESULTS The 32 patients included 23 females and nine males, with a median duration of AA of 14.5 months. Among them, 28 patients received baricitinib 2 mg per day for 24 weeks while the other four patients increased the daily dose from 2 to 4 mg after the first 12 weeks due to the unobvious hair restoration. SALT value showed a significant decrease from baseline at week 12 and 24 (64.45 [44.68-100.00] vs. 26.80 [13.40-62.32], p < 0.0001 and 64.45 [44.68-100] vs. 9.40 [4.85-34.95], p < 0.0001). After 24 weeks of treatment, 50% of patients had an improvement of ≥2 points in IGA scores from the baseline, and IGA scores of 68.75% of patients were less than 2. CONCLUSION This 24-week research showed that baricitinib had favorable clinical efficacy and safety in treating moderate-to-severe AA, which is worthy of attention and expectation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbo Bi
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chaofan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yimei Du
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuewen Lin
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weixin Fan
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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23
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Senna MM, Kwon O, Piraccini BM, Sinclair R, Ball S, Ding Y, Chen YF, Dutronc Y, King B. Clinical Benefits of Baricitinib Therapy According to Scalp Hair Regrowth in Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023; 13:3209-3220. [PMID: 37991697 PMCID: PMC10689319 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-01063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present analyses report integrated results from BRAVE-AA1 (NCT03570749) and BRAVE-AA2 (NCT03899259) on the clinical benefits of baricitinib treatment on the basis of the amount of scalp hair regrowth through 52 weeks of treatment. METHODS This post hoc analysis was conducted with data from patients who were treated continuously for 52 weeks with baricitinib 4 mg or 2 mg. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) and Clinician-Reported Outcome (ClinRO) for Eyebrow (EB) and Eyelash (EL) hair. Secondary measures included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Skindex-16 adapted for alopecia areata. At week 52, patients were classified into three subgroups: SALT ≤ 20 response, intermediate response (achieved a 30% improvement from baseline (SALT30) without a SALT score ≤ 20), or nonresponse (never achieved SALT30). The criterion of SALT30 approximates a minimal clinical meaningful response to therapy. RESULTS At week 52, with baricitinib 4 mg treatment, the greatest (70%) improvement in EB and EL was observed in responders, but approximately 50% of patients with intermediate response and 20% of nonresponders experienced complete/nearly complete EB and EL regrowth. Improvement in emotional distress was directionally related to improvements in scalp hair regrowth, while impact on quality of life was proportionately greater for the responder subgroup. CONCLUSIONS Clinically meaningful regrowth in eyebrow and eyelash hair can occur in the absence of complete scalp hair regrowth after treatment with baricitinib. Emotional distress and quality of life improvement is most associated with obtaining a clinical meaningful improvement in scalp hair. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER BRAVE-AA1, ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03570749, start date, 24 September 2018; BRAVE-AA2, ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03899259, start date, 8 July 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryanne M Senna
- Lahey Dermatology, Burlington, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ohsang Kwon
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bianca M Piraccini
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Specialized, Diagnostic, and Experimental Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Susan Ball
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Yuxin Ding
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, USA
| | | | | | - Brett King
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, LCI 501, PO Box 208059, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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24
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Gargiulo L, Ibba L, Vignoli CA, Ferrucci SM, Mercuri SR, Malagoli P, Marzano AV, Barbareschi M, Bianchi VG, Valenti M, Costanzo A, Narcisi A. Effectiveness and safety of baricitinib in patients with severe alopecia areata: a 36-week multicenter real-world experience. J DERMATOL TREAT 2023; 34:2268764. [PMID: 37818648 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2268764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gargiulo
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luciano Ibba
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo A Vignoli
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia M Ferrucci
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Santo R Mercuri
- Dermatology and Cosmetology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Malagoli
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Unit Azienda Ospedaliera San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo V Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Barbareschi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria G Bianchi
- Dermatology and Cosmetology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Valenti
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Costanzo
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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25
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King B, Shapiro J, Ohyama M, Egeberg A, Piraccini BM, Craiglow B, Sinclair R, Chen YF, Wu WS, Ding Y, Somani N, Dutronc Y. When to expect scalp hair regrowth during treatment of severe alopecia areata with baricitinib: insights from trajectories analyses of patients enrolled in two phase III trials. Br J Dermatol 2023; 189:666-673. [PMID: 37708254 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baricitinib is approved for the treatment of adults with severe alopecia areata (AA). In the absence of robust data on the patterns of regrowth during treatment of severe AA, there is a gap in the knowledge regarding treatment expectations. OBJECTIVES To examine whether different clinical response subgroups could be identified in baricitinib-treated patients with severe AA and factors that contribute to these subgroups. METHODS The BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 phase III trials enrolled patients with severe AA [Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score ≥ 50 (≥ 50% scalp hair loss)]. Patients randomized to baricitinib 4 mg or 2 mg retained their treatment allocation for 52 weeks. Based on patterns identified through growth mixture modelling (GMM), patients were categorized into responder subgroups according to when they first achieved ≥ 30% improvement from baseline in SALT score (SALT30). For each responder subgroup, trajectories of response (i.e. achievement of a SALT score ≤ 20, SALT score ≤ 10 and ≥ 50% change from baseline in SALT score) and baseline disease characteristics are reported. RESULTS Respectively, 515 and 340 patients were randomized to once-daily baricitinib 4 mg and 2 mg at baseline; 69% and 51%, respectively, achieved SALT30 at least once by week 52. Based on GMM findings, we identified three responder subgroups: early (SALT30 by week 12), gradual (SALT30 after week 12-week 36) and late (SALT30 after week 36-week 52). The proportions of early, gradual and late responders and nonresponders were, respectively, 33%, 28%, 8% and 31% among patients treated with baricitinib 4 mg, and 20%, 23%, 9% and 49%, respectively, among those treated with baricitinib 2 mg. Early responders had a shorter trajectory to maximal clinical outcomes (e.g. > 78% achieved a SALT score ≤ 20 by week 36) vs. gradual or late responders. Early responders were more frequent among patients with baseline severe AA (SALT score 50 to < 95) vs. very severe AA (SALT score 95-100). Overall, responders (early to late) were more frequent in patients with short (< 4 years) episodes of hair loss. CONCLUSIONS These analyses identified early, gradual and late responder subgroups for scalp hair regrowth in baricitinib-treated patients with severe AA, and that these subgroups are influenced by baseline characteristics. Findings from these analyses will help to inform treatment expectations for scalp hair regrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett King
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jerry Shapiro
- New York University Langone Health, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Manabu Ohyama
- Department of Dermatology, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alexander Egeberg
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bianca Maria Piraccini
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Wen-Shuo Wu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yuxin Ding
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Tachet J, Versace F, Mercier T, Buclin T, Decosterd LA, Choong E, Girardin FR. Development and validation of a multiplex HPLC-MS/MS assay for the monitoring of JAK inhibitors in patient plasma. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1230:123917. [PMID: 37956468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are oral small molecules used in the treatment of a broad spectrum of autoimmune and myeloproliferative diseases. JAKi exhibit significant intra- and inter-individual pharmacokinetic variabilities, due to fluctuations in compliance with oral treatments and their metabolism essentially driven by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Intrinsically, JAKi have dose-response relationship and narrow therapeutic index: therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is expected to optimize and adapt their dosage regimen in order to resolve problems of efficacy and tolerance linked to dose and safety. A sensitive analytical method using multiplex high-performance liquid-chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification in plasma of the 6 major currently used JAKi, namely abrocitinib, baricitinib, fedratinib, ruxolitinib, tofacitinib, and upadacitinib. Plasma samples are subjected to protein precipitation with MeOH, using stable isotopically labelled internal standards. The separation of JAKi in supernatants diluted 1:1 with ultrapure H2O was performed using a C18 column Xselect HSS T3 2.5 µm, 2.1x150 mm using a mobile phase composed of formic acid (FA) 0.2% and acetonitrile (+FA 0.1%) in gradient mode. The analytical run time for the multiplex assay was 7 min. JAKi drugs were monitored by electrospray ionization in the positive mode followed by triple-stage quadrupole MS/MS analysis. The method was validated according to SFSTP and ICH guidelines over the clinically relevant concentration ranges (0.5-200 ng/mL for abrocitinib, baricitinib and upadacitinib; 1-400 ng/mL for tofacitinib; 0.5-400 ng/mL for ruxolitinib, and 10-800 ng/mL for fedratinib). This multiplex HPLC-MS/MS assay achieved good performances in term of trueness (91.1-113.5%), repeatability (3.0-9.9%), and intermediate precision (4.5-11.3%). We developed and validated a highly sensitive method for the multiplex quantification of the JAKi abrocitinib, baricitinib, fedratinib, ruxolitinib, tofacitinib, and upadacitinib in human plasma. The method will be applied for prospective clinical pharmacokinetic studies to determine whether TDM programs for JAKi based on residual drug concentrations can be recommended using disease-specific therapeutic ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Tachet
- Service and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - François Versace
- Service and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Mercier
- Service and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Buclin
- Service and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurent A Decosterd
- Service and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eva Choong
- Service and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - François R Girardin
- Service and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Passeron T, King B, Seneschal J, Steinhoff M, Jabbari A, Ohyama M, Tobin DJ, Randhawa S, Winkler A, Telliez JB, Martin D, Lejeune A. Inhibition of T-cell activity in alopecia areata: recent developments and new directions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243556. [PMID: 38022501 PMCID: PMC10657858 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that has a complex underlying immunopathogenesis characterized by nonscarring hair loss ranging from small bald patches to complete loss of scalp, face, and/or body hair. Although the etiopathogenesis of AA has not yet been fully characterized, immune privilege collapse at the hair follicle (HF) followed by T-cell receptor recognition of exposed HF autoantigens by autoreactive cytotoxic CD8+ T cells is now understood to play a central role. Few treatment options are available, with the Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor baricitinib (2022) and the selective JAK3/tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (TEC) inhibitor ritlecitinib (2023) being the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved systemic medications thus far for severe AA. Several other treatments are used off-label with limited efficacy and/or suboptimal safety and tolerability. With an increased understanding of the T-cell-mediated autoimmune and inflammatory pathogenesis of AA, additional therapeutic pathways beyond JAK inhibition are currently under investigation for the development of AA therapies. This narrative review presents a detailed overview about the role of T cells and T-cell-signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of AA, with a focus on those pathways targeted by drugs in clinical development for the treatment of AA. A detailed summary of new drugs targeting these pathways with expert commentary on future directions for AA drug development and the importance of targeting multiple T-cell-signaling pathways is also provided in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Passeron
- University Côte d’Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Nice, Department of Dermatology, Nice, France
- University Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Brett King
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Julien Seneschal
- Department of Dermatology and Paediatric Dermatology, National Reference Centre for Rare Skin Diseases, Saint-André Hospital, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Bordeaux University, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), ImmunoConcept, UMR5164, Bordeaux, France
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali Jabbari
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Manabu Ohyama
- Department of Dermatology, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Desmond J. Tobin
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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De Greef A, Thirion R, Ghislain PD, Baeck M. Real-Life Effectiveness and Tolerance of Baricitinib for the Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata with 1-Year Follow-Up Data. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023; 13:2869-2877. [PMID: 37717224 PMCID: PMC10613164 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-01030-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The efficacy of conventional treatments for alopecia areata (AA) has been extremely variable and disappointing, with a high rate of relapse. Recent clinical trials and real-life studies have demonstrated efficacy and safety of baricitinib (an oral Janus kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor) in alopecia areata. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness and tolerance of baricitinib in alopecia areata in a real-life Belgian monocentric adult cohort. The primary outcome was evaluated by the percentage of patients who achieved a Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score of ≤ 20 at the end of the follow-up. All treatment-emergent adverse events were collected. RESULTS In this 19-patient series, with a median ± interquartile range (IQR) follow-up duration of 13 ± 16.2 months, we demonstrated that: (i) hair regrowth was observed in nearly 90% of patients between 4 and 16 weeks after initiation of baricitinib; (ii) at the end of the follow-up, more than 70% and, in particular, 100% of patients with patchy AA, reached the primary outcome (SALT score ≤ 20); (iii) almost half of the patients, mostly with patchy AA, showed a complete hair regrowth (SALT score = 0), within a median ± IQR treatment time of 8.5 ± 10 months; (iv) baricitinib was discontinued in three patients with total hair regrowth, two of whom relapsed; and (v) no serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION Baricitinib is effective in treating patients with alopecia areata, particularly for the patchy phenotype, but with a risk of relapse after discontinuation. Safety data are reassuring, with lipid changes being the most frequent adverse event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel De Greef
- Dermatology Department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Romane Thirion
- Dermatology Department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre-Dominique Ghislain
- Dermatology Department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Baeck
- Dermatology Department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
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Uchida H, Kamata M, Watanabe A, Ito M, Fukaya S, Hayashi K, Fukuyasu A, Tanaka T, Ishikawa T, Tada Y. Improvement of severe alopecia areata after 9-month baricitinib treatment followed by subsequent use of upadacitinib in a patient with atopic dermatitis. J Dermatol 2023; 50:e392-e393. [PMID: 37485732 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.16893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Uchida
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kamata
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayu Watanabe
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Ito
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saki Fukaya
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Hayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Fukuyasu
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Tanaka
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeko Ishikawa
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yayoi Tada
- Department of Dermatology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Hébert V, Joly P. Major improvement of very severe alopecia areata in patients treated with the combination of baricitinib and low doses of corticosteroids: an eight-case series. Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 48:1258-1259. [PMID: 37467740 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llad239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA), especially very severe types, causes patients severe psychological and social distress. Although baricitinib alone has been shown to be effective in conferring complete hair regrowth (HR) in severe AA [Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score 50-94], it gave poor therapeutic results in very severe AA (SALT score ≥ 95). Methotrexate alone is similarly ineffective, but in a recent study of patients with areata totalis or universalis, low-dose prednisone with methotrexate gave a 20% rate of HR, and was effective and well tolerated. In our study of baricitinib 4 mg + prednisone 20 mg per day tapered over 3 months to treat eight women with very severe AA, seven of eight achieved complete HR (SALT score 0) and one had partial HR (SALT score 30).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Hébert
- Department of Dermatology, French Reference Centre for Autoimmune Bullous Diseases, University Hospital of Rouen, University of Rouen Normandy, Rouen, France
| | - Pascal Joly
- Department of Dermatology, French Reference Centre for Autoimmune Bullous Diseases, University Hospital of Rouen, University of Rouen Normandy, Rouen, France
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Toh EQ, Wang ECE. Targeted immunotherapy for hair regrowth and regeneration. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1285452. [PMID: 37881630 PMCID: PMC10595013 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1285452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- En Qi Toh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Faria S, Freitas E, Torres T. Efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with alopecia areata: evidence to date. Drugs Context 2023; 12:2023-6-2. [PMID: 37781168 PMCID: PMC10537548 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-6-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, tissue-specific autoimmune disorder, characterized by non-scaring hair loss, with a global prevalence of approximately 2%. Typically, it affects a young population, with initial onset frequently occurring before the age of 30 years. Even though the exact pathogenesis of AA remains unclear, the predominant hypothesis is the breakdown of immune privilege of the hair follicle, resulting in increased self-antigen and major histocompatibility complex expression in the follicular epithelium. The relapsing nature of the disease negatively impacts patients' quality of life and makes them more susceptible to developing psychiatric comorbidities. Although many treatment modalities have been proposed, there are no currently available treatments able to induce and sustain disease remission. Traditional treatment modalities, despite being widely used, present limited results and a high risk of adverse effects. Hence, there exists an unfulfilled requirement for treatments that are both more efficient and safer. The latest understanding of the pathophysiology of AA and its connection to the JAK-STAT pathway has prompted the advancement of JAK inhibitors. These small-molecule agents function by obstructing the JAK-STAT intracellular signalling pathway. Baricitinib an orally administered, selective JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor is a promising alternative to the available treatments, and is already approved for the treatment of AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Faria
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Egídio Freitas
- Department of Dermatology, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago Torres
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Dermatology, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Dermatology Research Unit, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Gupta AK, Wang T, Bamimore MA, Piguet V, Tosti A. The relative efficacy of monotherapy with Janus kinase inhibitors, dupilumab and apremilast in adults with alopecia areata: Network meta-analyses of clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:2553-2559. [PMID: 37452455 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, biologics, and phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors are recent therapies for alopecia areata (AA)-albeit, knowledge gaps exist for these agents' relative efficacy. OBJECTIVES We determined the relative efficacy and safety of monotherapy with the aforementioned agents in adults with AA. METHODS The literature was systematically searched; we used data from randomized trials that investigated the agents' efficacy-as per Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores. Bayesian network meta-analyses were used to determine relative efficacy and safety. Effect modification was determined using a generalized linear model on aggregate data; evidence quality was evaluated. RESULTS Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve estimates obtained from multiple efficacy endpoints, regimens with the highest likelihood of achieving percent reduction in SALT scores, as well as a minimum 90%, 75% or 50% reduction in SALT scores are (in alphabetical order) baricitinib 4 mg once daily (QD), brepocitinib 60/30 mg QD, deuruxolitinib (CTP-543) 12 mg twice daily (BID), ritlecitinib 200/50 mg QD, ruxolitinib 20 mg BID and tofacitinib 5 mg BID. In contrast, dupilumab subcutaneous injections administered weekly and apremilast 30 mg BID were less likely to be effective. Discontinuation due to any adverse event was the least likely with oral JAK inhibitors, and more likely with dupilumab and apremilast. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the conduct of high-quality comparative trials to determine whether JAK inhibitors are more effective and safer than PDE4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tong Wang
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Vincent Piguet
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Fredric Brandt Endowed Professor of Dermatology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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Ko JM, Mayo TT, Bergfeld WF, Dutronc Y, Yu G, Ball SG, Somani N, Craiglow BG. Clinical Outcomes for Uptitration of Baricitinib Therapy in Patients With Severe Alopecia Areata: A Pooled Analysis of the BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 Trials. JAMA Dermatol 2023; 159:970-976. [PMID: 37556146 PMCID: PMC10413213 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.2581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Importance Baricitinib is an oral selective Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor that has achieved clinically meaningful outcomes for scalp, eyebrow, and eyelash hair regrowth in patients with severe alopecia areata (AA) at week 36 of treatment. Treatment with baricitinib, 4 mg, has resulted in higher response rates than baricitinib, 2 mg, at weeks 36 and 52. Objective To determine the efficacy of uptitration to baricitinib, 4 mg, for 24 weeks in patients who had previously not responded to baricitinib, 2 mg (Severity of Alopecia Tool [SALT] score of >20). Design, Setting, and Participants BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 are multicenter, placebo-controlled, phase 3 randomized clinical trials that were initiated on September 24, 2018, and July 8, 2019, respectively, with follow-up to 200 weeks (data cutoffs of November 11, 2021, and November 5, 2021, respectively). This pooled analysis reports long-term extension data up to week 76. At baseline, 1200 adult patients with severe AA (SALT score ≥50) were randomly assigned in a 3:2:2 ratio to receive baricitinib, 4 mg; baricitinib, 2 mg; or placebo. Patients treated with baricitinib remained on the same treatment dose until week 52. Patients were considered nonresponders to baricitinib, 2 mg, if they had a SALT score greater than 20 after 52 weeks of therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures The proportions of patients achieving a SALT score of 20 or lower and clinician-reported outcome for eyebrow hair loss and eyelash hair loss scores of 0 or 1 (full coverage or minimal gaps) with 2-point or higher improvements from baseline (among those with baseline scores ≥2 [significant gaps to no notable hair]) were analyzed through week 76. Results At week 52, of the 340 patients (mean [SD] age, 38.4 [12.9] years; 212 [62.4%] female) treated with baricitinib, 2 mg, 212 (62.4%) had a SALT score higher than 20 and were uptitrated to baricitinib, 4 mg. Two-thirds of these patients (142 of 212 [67.0%]) had a baseline SALT score of 95 to 100, indicating very severe AA. At week 76, 55 of the 212 patients (25.9%) had achieved a SALT score of 20 or lower. During the same period, response rates for clinician-reported outcome scores of 0 or 1 increased from 19.3% (31 of 161 patients) to 37.9% (61 of 161 patients) for eyebrows and from 24.1% (33 of 137 patients) to 40.9% (56 of 137 patients) for eyelashes. Conclusions and Relevance In this pooled analysis of the BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 trials, uptitration of baricitinib, 2 mg, to baricitinib, 4 mg, in those who did not respond to the 2-mg dose resulted in meaningful improvement of response rates over the subsequent 24 weeks for scalp, eyebrow, and eyelash hair loss. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT03570749 and NCT03899259.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M. Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Tiffany T. Mayo
- Department of Dermatology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Wilma F. Bergfeld
- Departments of Dermatology and Histopathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Guanglei Yu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Fung S, Shirley M. Baricitinib: A Review in Severe Alopecia Areata. Am J Clin Dermatol 2023:10.1007/s40257-023-00799-z. [PMID: 37326792 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00799-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Baricitinib (Olumiant®), a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, is the first drug approved for the treatment of severe alopecia areata in the USA and the EU. Severe alopecia areata is usually difficult to treat and relapse is common. Patients with this disorder are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. In two pivotal placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trials in adults with severe alopecia areata, oral baricitinib once daily was associated with clinically meaningful scalp, eyebrow, and eyelash hair regrowth over 36 weeks. Baricitinib was generally well tolerated with the most common adverse events being infections, headaches, acne, and elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase. While longer-term data will be necessary to more fully understand the benefits and risks of the drug, currently available data suggest that baricitinib is a useful treatment for patients with severe alopecia areata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Fung
- Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
| | - Matt Shirley
- Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand
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36
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Freitas E, Guttman-Yassky E, Torres T. Baricitinib for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata. Drugs 2023:10.1007/s40265-023-01873-w. [PMID: 37195491 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01873-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is a relapsing, chronic, immune-mediated disease characterized by nonscarring, inflammatory hair loss that can affect any hair-bearing site. AA clinical presentation is heterogeneous. Its pathogenesis involves immune and genetic factors and several pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in AA pathogenesis, including interleukin-15 and interferon-γ, as well as Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4/IL-13, that signal through Janus kinase (JAK) pathway. AA treatment aims to stop its progression and reverse hair loss, and JAK inhibition has been shown to stop hair loss and reverse alopecia and has exhibited promising results in treating AA in clinical trials. Baricitinib, an oral, reversible, selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, was shown to be superior to placebo on hair growth after 36 weeks of treatment in adults with severe AA in a phase 2 trial and recently in two phase 3 trials (BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2). In both studies, the most common adverse events were upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infection, acne, headache, and elevated creatine kinase levels. On the basis of these trial results, baricitinib was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with severe AA. Nevertheless, longer trials are needed to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of baricitinib in AA. Current trials are ongoing and are planned to remain randomized and blinded for up to 200 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egídio Freitas
- Department of Dermatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Edifício das Consultas Externas, Ex. CICAP, Rua D. Manuel II, s/n, 4100, Porto, Portugal
| | - Emma Guttman-Yassky
- Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Tiago Torres
- Department of Dermatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Edifício das Consultas Externas, Ex. CICAP, Rua D. Manuel II, s/n, 4100, Porto, Portugal.
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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