Ritlecitinib: Efficacy of a Novel Therapy for Severe Alopecia Areata in Patients Aged 12 Years and Older

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a dermatological disease of immune origin characterized by partial or total hair loss of the scalp (alopecia totalis) or the whole body (alopecia universalis). Current therapeutic options, both topical and systemic, use nonspecific immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory management strategies. The crucial role of Janus kinases (JAK) in the pathogenesis of the disease has led to a change in the therapeutic landscape, opening new approaches in the management of this disease. Ritlecitinib, a JAK3/TEC kinase inhibitor, has recently been approved for the treatment of severe AA in patients aged 12 and older. This review analyses the mechanism of action of ritlecitinib and the evidence for its safety and efficacy profile in patients with severe AA.