A Cost-Per-Responder Analysis of Ritlecitinib vs Baricitinib in Severe Alopecia Areata

This study analyzed the cost-effectiveness of ritlecitinib 50 mg versus baricitinib (2 mg and 4 mg) for severe alopecia areata (AA). At Week 24, 52.10% of patients on ritlecitinib achieved significant hair regrowth compared to 36.28% on baricitinib. By Week 52, 40.26% of ritlecitinib users reached substantial hair coverage versus 30.63% for baricitinib users. Ritlecitinib had a lower cost-per-responder at both Week 24 ($45,577 vs $54,887) and Week 52 ($94,834 vs $107,217). The study noted that 42.97% of baricitinib 2 mg users discontinued due to no response. Overall, ritlecitinib showed higher efficacy and cost-effectiveness, suggesting better value for treating severe AA.