Transient Efficacy of Tofacitinib in Alopecia Areata Universalis

A phase 2a randomized vehicle-controlled multi-center study of the safety and efficacy of delgocitinib in subjects with moderate-to-severe alopecia areata

Alopecia areata/AA is an autoimmune cause of nonscarring hair loss. The pathogenesis of AA involves many immune axes, including Th1/Th2 pathways. Delgocitinib is a pan-Janus kinase/JAK inhibitor that broadly blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines and has been effective in other inflammatory skin conditions. Recent human studies/reports have shown that use of some systemic JAK inhibitors led to hair regrowth, suggesting this medication class as a potential therapy for AA. However, topical treatment is desirable due to potential systemic side effects. To assess the efficacy and safety of topical delgocitinib in AA, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical trial in 31 moderate-to-severe AA patients that were randomized 2:1 to receive delgocitinib ointment 30 mg/g (n = 20) or ointment vehicle (n = 11) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in severity of Alopecia Tool/SALT score from baseline to week 12. The secondary endpoint included safety profile by reported adverse events. Twenty-three subjects completed the trial, with eight discontinuing mostly due to voluntary withdrawal. Ten patients receiving delgocitinib ointment and three patients receiving vehicle showed SALT score improvements after 12 weeks, but the mean percent SALT improvement at week 12 compared to baseline between the two arms was not significant (p = 0.92). Our study suggests that delgocitinib ointment is not effective in moderate-to-severe AA, likely due to its inability to penetrate sufficiently deeply into the dermis of the scalp, but larger studies are necessary to assess whether a different formulation of topical JAK inhibitors may be suitable to treat mild or more localized forms of AA.

A Comprehensive Literature Review of JAK Inhibitors in Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, immune-mediated form of nonscarring alopecia that is multifactorial and results in localized patches. It is often described as a self-limiting condition that results in the spontaneous regrowth of hair in most cases. However, this regrowth may take several months or years to occur in some patients, leading to the development of psychoemotional trauma in those that are affected. Although several therapies for AA have been developed and tested, there is no specific treatment that has been approved, leading to the availability of many off-label conventional treatment options, with very limited responses. More recently, with the advancement of pre-clinical and genetic studies, a greater understanding of the pathomechanisms involved in the development of AA has been uncovered. This has resulted in the introduction of targeted therapies that use small molecules to block specific pathways involved in AA pathophysiology. As such, the use of janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for treatment of AA has emerged. JAK inhibitors block the T-cell mediated inflammatory response thought to be the driving factor behind AA pathogenesis, by inhibiting the janus kinase (JAK) signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, leading to a reversal of hair loss in AA patients. Thus, in an effort to demonstrate the efficacy of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of AA, several studies have been published within recent years. However, the question remains, “Are JAK inhibitors effective and safe in the management of Alopecia Areata?”. This review aims to provide a comprehensive report on the role, efficacy, and outcomes of using JAK inhibitors in the treatment of AA. To competently answer the research question highlighted, the most recent, quality articles published over a 10–15-year period were sourced using PubMed, NCBI, Research gate, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE and Google scholar. The literature search was primarily focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, in the absence of such, only the most recently published case reports, case series, clinical trials and open-label studies published to date were included.

An unusual case of tricho-dento-osseous syndrome

Tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome is a multisystem congenital disorder that is known by bone, skin, and hair abnormalities. Primitive studies show different varieties of manifestations related to this disorder, which involve sclerotic bones, nail involvement, enamel hypoplasia, mandibular prognathism, and taurodontism. Although exploring different TDO cases revealed genetic mutations in all of them, they have many variations in phenotypic view. In this study, we report a case whose primary diagnosis was alopecia and came for extraction of her third molars, but after clinical and radiographic examination, it was found that the cause of her disease was something different.

Scoping Review on the Use of Drugs Targeting JAK/STAT Pathway in Atopic Dermatitis, Vitiligo, and Alopecia Areata

INTRODUCTION

The JAK/STAT signaling pathway is involved in the immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases atopic dermatitis (AD), vitiligo, and alopecia areata (AA), and represents a potential target when developing treatments. So far, no drugs targeting this pathway have been approved for the treatment of dermatological diseases. We reviewed the use of drugs blocking the JAK/STAT pathway in the aforementioned diseases.

METHODS

An a priori protocol was published. We used Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual methodology to conduct the review and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) to report results. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in a three-step approach on April 2019 by two researchers.

RESULTS

Ninety-six mainly multicenter observational studies were included (66, 10, and 20 studies on AA, vitiligo, and AD, respectively). Tofacitinib and ruxolitinib were mainly used for the three diseases, and also upadacitinib, abrocitinib, baricitinib, cerdulatinib, delgocitinib, gusacitinib for AD, and baricitinib, PF-06700841, and PF-06651600 for AA. All patients with AD improved, whereas patients with vitiligo and patients with AA showed varied responses, including unresponsive cases. The safety profiles were similar for all drugs and diseases, mainly comprising mild or no adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence on the efficacy and safety of drugs targeting the JAK/STAT pathway for the treatment of patients with AD, vitiligo, or AA is increasing but is still of low quality.

Off-label studies on tofacitinib in dermatology: a review

PURPOSE

Tofacitinib citrate is an oral Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor approved for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and active psoriatic arthritis. Tofacitinib is being increasingly used off-label for dermatological conditions, with varying efficacy across recent studies. A review of these studies will be a helpful resource for dermatologists considering the use of tofacitinib for conditions refractory to first-line therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were all searched for articles and trials mentioning the term 'tofacitinib', then manually reviewed to identify published data on off-label uses of tofacitinib. The article was structured according to the quality of the evidence available.

RESULTS

Tofacitinib appears to show strong efficacy for numerous dermatologic conditions. Randomized controlled trial data is available for atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and plaque psoriasis. Case report and case series data is available for numerous other dermatologic conditions.

CONCLUSION

While tofacitinib has a wide array of immunoregulatory properties, making it a possible candidate for treating many dermatologic conditions refractory to other treatments, further testing is needed to better characterize its efficacy and utility moving forward, as well as its safety and adverse effect profile.

Hair Regrowth Outcomes of Contact Immunotherapy for Patients With Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Contact immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone or squaric acid dibutyl ester is a preferred treatment for severe alopecia areata; however, the defined criteria for therapeutic hair regrowth and regrowth rate have been highly heterogeneous across studies.

Objective

To summarize the clinical outcomes of contact immunotherapy for alopecia areata according to standardized criteria for therapeutic hair regrowth and several prognostic factors.

Data Source

A database search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed for articles published before November 20, 2017, using the search terms areata, totalis, universalis, sensitizer, sensitization, immunotherapy, DPCP, diphenylcyclopropenone, diphencyprone, SADBE, and squaric.

Study Selection

Clinical trials or observational studies that investigated contact immunotherapy for alopecia areata and subgrouped the disease into patchy alopecia or alopecia totalis/universalis and reported their hair regrowth rates were included, whereas studies that investigated combination therapy or nonconventional protocol and case series or reviews were excluded.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The following data were extracted from each of the studies included in this meta-analysis: study year and setting, sensitizer type, study population, study population composition by disease subtype, defined criteria for therapeutic hair regrowth, and regrowth rate of contact immunotherapy. The incidence of adverse effects and recurrence rate were also recorded. A random effects model was used for data synthesis because of the expected high heterogeneity of the included studies.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was therapeutic hair regrowth rate according to the 4-grade criteria for therapeutic regrowth. Secondary outcomes included incidence of treatment-related adverse effects and recurrence rate.

Results

Forty-five studies comprising 2227 patients were analyzed. The overall rate of any hair regrowth was 65.5% among patients with alopecia areata (74.6% in the patchy alopecia and 54.5% in the alopecia totalis/universalis subgroups). However, the complete regrowth rate was 32.3% (24.9% in the patchy alopecia and 32.3% in the alopecia totalis/universalis subgroups). Disease extent of 50% or greater (odds ratio [OR], 3.05; 95% CI, 2.26-4.12), atopic history (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.03-2.50), and nail involvement (OR, 2.06; 95% CI. 1.26-3.36) were associated with poorer therapeutic outcome. Recurrence rates were 38.3% among patients receiving maintenance treatment and 49.0% among those not receiving maintenance treatment.

Conclusions and Relevance

Various factors were associated with the clinical outcomes of contact immunotherapy for alopecia areata, with significant differences in hair regrowth rates according to the level of expected therapeutic regrowth. Quantitative summarization may improve patient education and lead to better therapeutic adherence and outcomes.

The role of Janus kinase inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata: A systematic review

Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring alopecia, which often carries a major impact on patients' quality of life. Currently there is no single approved treatment that effectively induces permanent remission. Recently, the JAK-STAT signaling pathway has emerged as a possible therapeutic target leading to increased interest in the use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKis) in the treatment of this pathology. This review of the literature summarizes information on patients with AA who underwent treatment with JAKis and discusses the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of its use. A literature search was conducted in different databases to identify clinical trials and case reports published in January 2019. Several clinical studies have shown very promising results in the treatment of AA with oral formulas of JAKis. These agents, however, need chronic administration to maintain response. Topical formulations did not show satisfactory responses. The safety profile of these agents appears to be favorable. Current evidence is promising regarding the efficacy and safety of oral JAKis. However, the data obtained are of low quality, originating predominantly from reports of clinical cases. Further studies are needed to confirm these data and to optimize its long-term efficacy and safety.

JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata: a systematic review and meta-analysis

There have been a number of case reports and small clinical trials reporting promising outcomes of Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors tofacitinib, ruxolitinib and baricitinib for alopecia areata (AA). The majority of the literature to date is based on small volume data, with a lack of definitive evidence or guidelines. To determine the expected response of AA to JAK inhibitor therapy and factors which influence response and recurrence rates. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. From 30 studies and 289 cases, there were 72.4% responders, good responders 45.7% and partial responders 21.4%. Mean time to initial hair growth was 2.2 ± 6.7 months, and time to complete hair regrowth was 6.7 ± 2.2 months. All 37 recurrences occurred when treatment was ceased after 2.7 months. Oral route was significantly associated with response to treatment compared to topical therapy. No difference was found between paediatric and adult cases in proportion of responses. There is promising low-quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors in AA. Future large-sized randomized studies are required to confirm findings.

The Use of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata: A Review of the Literature

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that targets hair follicle epithelium, thereby restricting hair growth in localized patches. Although several therapies for AA have been tested, responses with traditional therapies have been limited. In recent years, numerous reports have been published of patients with AA responding to Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. This literature review aims to describe AA pathophysiology, explore how and why JAK inhibitors can be used for AA treatment, and review published case reports, case series, and open-label studies published to date. Pathogenesis of AA includes interactions between genetic, environmental, and immune factors and is mediated by the cytokines interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-15. JAK inhibition resulting in hair regrowth in some cases supports that AA is associated with the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. The emergence of JAK inhibitors for AA therapy is changing the way health care providers think about and treat AA. A mixture of animal model studies and human case studies have reported the use of baricitinib (JAK 1/2), ruxolitinib (JAK 1/2), and tofacitinib (JAK 1/3) for the management of AA. JAK inhibition has shown potential as an effective AA therapy when used in case studies, case series, and open-label trials. Formal clinical trials are ongoing and will yield more definitive conclusions about the safety and efficacy of JAK inhibitors.

Janus Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata: An Open-Label Comparative Study

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by patchy hair loss. There are many treatments available for AA. However, treatments of severe forms of AA are not satisfactory. Recently, oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors were found to be effective for the treatment of severe AA variants. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the efficacy, side effects, and durability of two oral JAK inhibitor medications (ruxolitinib and tofacitinib) in the treatment of severe AA. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study included 75 patients with AA with more than 30% scalp hair loss, alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis randomized into 2 groups. The first group (<i>n</i> = 38) received ruxolitinib 20 mg twice daily, and the second group (<i>n</i> = 37) received oral tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily. The treatment continued for 6 months followed by 3 months of follow-up off therapy. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by monitoring the change in the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Both tofacitinib and ruxolitinib induced remarkable hair regrowth, with a mean change in SALT score of 93.8 ± 3.25 in the ruxolitinib group and 95.2 ± 2.69 in the tofacitinib group. However, the ruxolitinib group showed a shorter duration for initial hair regrowth. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding hair regrowth at the end of the 6-month treatment and relapse rate at the end of the 3-month follow-up. Around two thirds of cases experienced relapse. Both drugs were well tolerated, with no reported serious adverse effects. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Both ruxolitinib and tofacitinib could be considered effective and well-tolerated treatments for extensive AA.

Recalcitrant alopecia areata responsive to leflunomide and anthralin-Potentially undiscovered JAK/STAT inhibitors?

Several treatment modalities are available for the management of alopecia areata (AA); however, no therapy is universally effective and treatment can be frustrating in severe cases, with low response and high recurrence rates. Recent studies show that the JAK/STAT pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of this disease by determining the crosstalk between the infiltrating CD8+ T cells and the hair follicles, suggesting a role of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of AA. However, reports on the off-label use of these more expensive targeted agents have shown variable results. We present a case of a child with recalcitrant ophiasis-pattern AA who had failed steroid therapy and was treated successfully with leflunomide and anthralin, possibly by the synergistic effect on the JAK/STAT pathway inhibition, and we propose this combination could be a cost-effective therapeutic option for recalcitrant AA.

Alopecia Areata: a Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis and Management

Alopecia areata is a common hair loss condition that is characterized by acute onset of non-scarring hair loss in usually sharply defined areas ranging from small patches to extensive or less frequently diffuse involvement. Depending on its acuity and extent, hair loss is an important cause of anxiety and disability. The current understanding is that the condition represents an organ-specific autoimmune disease of the hair follicle with a genetic background. Genome-wide association studies provide evidence for the involvement of both innate and acquired immunity in the pathogenesis, and mechanistic studies in mouse models of alopecia areata have specifically implicated an IFN-γ-driven immune response, including IFNγ, IFNγ-induced chemokines and cytotoxic CD8 T cells as the main drivers of disease pathogenesis. A meta-analysis of published trials on treatment of alopecia areata states that only few treatments have been well evaluated in randomized trials. Nevertheless, depending on patient age, affected surface area and disease duration, an empiric treatment algorithm can be designed with corticosteroids and topical immunotherapy remaining the mainstay of therapy. The obviously limited success of evidence-based therapies points to a more important complexity of hair loss. At the same time, the complexity of pathogenesis offers opportunities for the development of novel targeted therapies. New treatment opportunities based on the results of genome-wide association studies that implicate T cell and natural killer cell activation pathways are paving the way to new approaches in future clinical trials. Currently, there are ongoing studies with the CTLA4-Ig fusion protein abatacept, anti-IL15Rβ monoclonal antibodies and the Janus kinase inhibitors tofacitinib, ruxolitinib and baricitinib. Ultimately, the options available for adapting to the disease rather than treating it in an effort to cure may also be taken into consideration in selected cases of long-standing or recurrent small spot disease.

Role of janus kinase inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common hair loss disorder worldwide with characteristic exclamation mark hairs. Although AA is self-limited, it can last for several months or even years in some patients. Currently, there is no US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for AA. Many off-label treatments are available but with limited efficacy. Through a better understanding of molecular biology, many targeted therapies have emerged as new alternatives for various autoimmune diseases. Various janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins form signaling pathways, which transmit extracellular cytokine signals to the nucleus and induce DNA transcriptions. By inhibiting JAK, T-cell-mediated inflammatory responses are suppressed. Increasing evidence suggests that JAK inhibitors (JAKis) are effective in the treatment of many autoimmune diseases, including AA. Among these, several studies on tofacitinib, ruxolitinib, and baricitinib in AA had been published, demonstrating promising outcomes of these agents. Unlike oral formulations, efficacy of topical forms of tofacitinib and ruxolitinib reported in these studies is still unsatisfactory and requires improvement. This review aims to summarize evidence of the efficacy and safety of JAKis in the treatment of AA.

JAK Inhibitors for Treatment of Alopecia Areata

The advancement of genetic and preclinical studies has uncovered the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA). The development of targeted therapies using small molecules blocking specific pathways for the treatment of AA is underway. By repurposing Food and Drug Administration-approved small molecule JAK inhibitors as treatments for AA, it has been demonstrated that JAK inhibitors can effectively reverse hair loss in patients with moderate to severe AA. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current preclinical and clinical studies on JAK inhibitors, as well as the prospects of using JAK inhibitors for the treatment of AA.

A Comment on JAK Inhibitors for Treatment of Alopecia Areata

A meta-analysis of published trials on the treatment of alopecia areata (AA) came to the conclusion that most have been reported poorly and so small that any important clinical benefits are inconclusive, and considering the possibility of spontaneous remission, especially for those in the early stages of the disease, the options of not being treated or depending on individual preference, and of wearing a wig may be alternative ways of dealing with the condition. And yet, from clinical practice, we know that depending on patient age, surface area, disease duration, and comorbidities an empiric treatment algorithm can be designed that is successful in a significant proportion of patients. More recently, it has been suggested that Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may represent the drug of choice for AA, based on robust scientific background and preliminary clinical study results. The fact is that a sophisticated treatment of AA cannot be reduced to one drug, while in many patients, depending on disease duration and surface area, either intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide or subcutaneous methotrexate will achieve remission rates in the range of the efficacy of the JAK inhibitors. Moreover, at this time point, affordability of the JAK inhibitors for long-term treatment, sustainability of treatment result, and long-term safety are major issues with regard to the treatment of AA with JAK inhibitors.

Alopecia Areata: Review of Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Pathogenesis, and New Treatment Options

Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex autoimmune condition that causes nonscarring hair loss. It typically presents with sharply demarcated round patches of hair loss and may present at any age. In this article, we review the epidemiology, clinical features, pathogenesis, and new treatment options of AA, with a focus on the immunologic mechanism underlying the treatment. While traditional treatment options such as corticosteroids are moderately effective, a better understanding of the disease pathogenesis may lead to the development of new treatments that are more directed and effective against AA. Sources were gathered from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database using the keywords: alopecia, alopecia areata, hair loss, trichoscopy, treatments, pathogenesis, and epidemiology.

JAK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for immune and inflammatory diseases

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.201.

Novel therapies for alopecia areata: The era of rational drug development

Treatments for alopecia areata (AA) have evolved over the decades from broad and nonspecific therapies to those that are now more targeted and rationally selected. This was achieved by means of close cooperation and communication between clinicians and basic scientists, which resulted in the elucidation and understanding of the unique pathophysiology of AA. In this review we discuss this evolution and how novel therapies for AA have changed over the decades, what we have in our current arsenal of drugs for this potentially devastating disease, and what the future holds.

Emerging therapies for atopic dermatitis: JAK inhibitors

The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway is a conserved master regulator of immunity and myeloproliferation. Advanced understanding of this pathway has led to development of targeted inhibitors of Janus kinases (Jakinibs). As a class, JAK inhibitors effectively treat a multitude of hematologic and inflammatory diseases. Given such success, use of JAK inhibitors for mitigation of atopic dermatitis is under active investigation. Herein, we review the evolving data on the safety and efficacy of JAK inhibitors in treatment of atopic dermatitis. Although it is still early in the study of JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis, evidence identifies JAK inhibitors as effective alternatives to conventional therapies. Nonetheless, multiple large safety and efficacy trials are needed before widespread use of JAK inhibitors can be advocated for atopic dermatitis.

Brazilian Experience of the Treatment of Alopecia Universalis with the Novel Antirheumatic Therapy Tofacitinib: A Case Series

INTRODUCTION

Alopecia universalis is an autoimmune disorder for which there is no known effective therapy. Tofacitinib-a novel antirheumatic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis-has been shown in some reports to induce sustained hair growth in patients with alopecia universalis.

CASE SERIES

Here, we review the experiences of four different rheumatologists across the country regarding four Brazilian patients with alopecia universalis who were treated with tofacitinib . Two of these four patients had idiopathic alopecia and the other two had rheumatoid arthritis; in each case, the alopecia universalis was apparently induced by etanercept.

CONCLUSION

Tofacitinib should be considered for the treatment of severe alopecia areata, but the optimal dose and duration of therapy should be defined in randomized controlled trials.

JAK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for immune and inflammatory diseases

The discovery of cytokines as key drivers of immune-mediated diseases has spurred efforts to target their associated signalling pathways. Janus kinases (JAKs) are essential signalling mediators downstream of many pro-inflammatory cytokines, and small-molecule inhibitors of JAKs (jakinibs) have gained traction as safe and efficacious options for the treatment of inflammation-driven pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Building on the clinical success of first-generation jakinibs, second-generation compounds that claim to be more selective are currently undergoing development and proceeding to clinical trials. However, important questions remain about the advantages and limitations of improved JAK selectivity, optimal routes and dosing regimens and how best to identify patients who will benefit from jakinibs. This Review discusses the biology of jakinibs from a translational perspective, focusing on recent insights from clinical trials, the development of novel agents and the use of jakinibs in a spectrum of immune and inflammatory diseases.

Alopecia Areata: An Update on Treatment Options for Children

Pediatric alopecia areata is a spectrum of autoimmune non-scarring alopecia in which some patients lose small patches of hair from their scalp but others lose more or all of the hair from the scalp and body, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Few studies have looked at therapies for this disorder in children, so much of the data are derived from adult literature and describe off-label use of medication. Generally, topical therapies consisting of topical steroids and topical irritating compounds/contact sensitizers are used. Systemic therapies that block the immune system, including Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, have also been used in this disease. This paper reviews the data on therapy for alopecia areata in pediatric patients.

JAK inhibitors in dermatology: The promise of a new drug class

New molecularly targeted therapeutics are changing dermatologic therapy. Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) is an intracellular signaling pathway upon which many different proinflammatory signaling pathways converge. Numerous inflammatory dermatoses are driven by soluble inflammatory mediators, which rely on JAK-STAT signaling, and inhibition of this pathway using JAK inhibitors might be a useful therapeutic strategy for these diseases. Growing evidence suggests that JAK inhibitors are efficacious in atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Additional evidence suggests that JAK inhibition might be broadly useful in dermatology, with early reports of efficacy in several other conditions. JAK inhibitors can be administered orally or used topically and represent a promising new class of medications. The use of JAK inhibitors in dermatology is reviewed here.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized by transient, non-scarring hair loss and preservation of the hair follicle. Hair loss can take many forms ranging from loss in well-defined patches to diffuse or total hair loss, which can affect all hair-bearing sites. Patchy alopecia areata affecting the scalp is the most common type. Alopecia areata affects nearly 2% of the general population at some point during their lifetime. Skin biopsies of affected skin show a lymphocytic infiltrate in and around the bulb or the lower part of the hair follicle in the anagen (hair growth) phase. A breakdown of immune privilege of the hair follicle is thought to be an important driver of alopecia areata. Genetic studies in patients and mouse models have shown that alopecia areata is a complex, polygenic disease. Several genetic susceptibility loci were identified to be associated with signalling pathways that are important to hair follicle cycling and development. Alopecia areata is usually diagnosed based on clinical manifestations, but dermoscopy and histopathology can be helpful. Alopecia areata is difficult to manage medically, but recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms have revealed new treatments and the possibility of remission in the near future.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for the treatment of skin and hair disorders: a review of literature

Janus kinase family (JAKs) has recently attracted the attention of many researchers, and several JAK inhibitor drugs have been developed targeting different members of the JAK family. Tofacitinib and ruxolitinib are US FDA approved drugs in this family for rheumatoid arthritis and myeloproliferative diseases, respectively. Dysregulation of JAK/STAT pathway is also involved in many skin diseases, specifically inflammatory disorders. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway and its involvement in skin diseases are overviewed in this study. We also review clinical studies of JAK inhibitors in field of dermatology, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata and vitiligo. Although the available evidence shows promising results, it is still too early to draw a firm conclusion about the place of these drugs in dermatological treatment.

New Treatments for Hair Loss

The treatment of hair loss is an important part of clinical dermatology given the prevalence of the problem and great impact on patients' quality of life. Many new treatments have been introduced in recent years. This review summarizes the main ones in 4 groups: a) For androgenetic alopecia, we discuss new excipients for oral minoxidil, dutasteride, and finasteride as well as new forms of topical application; prostaglandin agonists and antagonists; low-level laser therapy; and regenerative medicine with Wnt signaling activators and stem cell therapy. b) For alopecia areata, Janus kinase inhibitors are reviewed. c) For frontal fibrosing alopecia, we discuss the use of antiandrogens and, for some patients, pioglitazone. d) Finally, we mention new robotic devices for hair transplant procedures and techniques for optimal follicular unit extraction.

Remarkable Improvement of Nail Changes in Alopecia Areata Universalis with 10 Months of Treatment with Tofacitinib: A Case Report

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease. The main symptom is massive hair loss, localized or diffuse, in the scalp and the whole body. However, nails may also be involved, and brittleness, fragility and pitting can be signs of nail dystrophy in AA patients. Here, we report the case of a male patient with AA refractory to various treatments, including oral, topical and intralesional corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, cyclosporin and PUVA (oxoralen plus ultraviolet light), all interrupted due to side effects. The patient's nails had erythematous blotches (striated lunulae) with regular and superficial pitting as well as fragility (trachyonychia), and he could no longer play the guitar because of these symptoms. With patient consent, we introduced tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily), which resulted in remarkable improvements not only regarding hair regrowth but also nail changes, with function recovery within 10 months.