Janus kinase inhibitor exposure affects response to ritlecitinib in patients with alopecia areata

In patients with alopecia areata who received treatment with ritlecitinib, prior exposure to Janus kinase inhibitors is associated with reduced early response, reveals a study.

This real-world, single-centre retrospective cohort study included 89 consecutive patients (mean age 25.6 years, 69.7 percent female) receiving ritlecitinib 50 mg daily for ≥12 weeks.

The authors assessed disease severity at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 and recorded treatment-emergent adverse events. They also used multivariate logistic regression models to explore the relationship between treatment response and clinical predictors.

Temporal progression was observed in efficacy outcomes. Treatment responses seen in eyelashes, eyebrows, and nails were also observed in the scalp. In multivariate analysis, prior Janus kinase inhibitor exposure independently predicted reduced response.

With regard to safety, treatment with ritlecitinib showed a favourable safety profile. In addition, no serious adverse events occurred during the study.

“Prior Janus kinase inhibitor exposure is a significant factor influencing early treatment response,” the authors said. “Responses of lashes, brows, and nails were similar to the scalp.”

This study was limited by its single-centre design and by participants who are mostly Chinese.