Comparative Efficacy of Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitors and Biologics in Adult Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis compared the efficacy of oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and biologics in treating adult alopecia areata (AA). The study analyzed randomized trials using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) to assess treatment outcomes. Baricitinib 4 mg showed the highest probability of being the most effective therapy, followed by ritlecitinib 200/50 mg and ivarmacitinib 4 mg. In contrast, dupilumab, secukinumab, tralokinumab, and apremilast were less effective. The study highlights the potential of targeting the JAK signaling pathway for hair regrowth, noting differences in efficacy among JAK inhibitors and suggesting further research into their specific mechanisms of action.