Criteria for Commencing and Continuing Subsidized Janus Kinase Inhibitor Therapy in Australian Alopecia Areata Patients—Results From an Australian Expert Consensus Exercise

The study establishes criteria for subsidized Janus Kinase Inhibitor (JAKi) therapy for Alopecia Areata (AA) patients in Australia, involving 33 specialists using the eDelphi method. Key criteria for eligibility include rapid hair loss progression, previous AA episodes, failure to respond to corticosteroids, significant psychosocial impact, and cultural significance of hair. Younger patients (5-18 years) and those with significant eyebrow, beard, or nail involvement are more suitable. Treatment failure is defined by less than 50% improvement in scalp hair loss after 12 months. The study emphasizes the need for accessible JAKi therapy due to high costs and suggests further assessment of these criteria before clinical implementation. Limitations include the regional focus and lack of patient perspectives.