Off-Label Use of Biologics and Janus Kinase Inhibitors for Scarring Alopecias: A Narrative Review

June 2025 in “ Archives of Dermatological Research ”

Priya Agarwal, Oghenevoke Ajuchi, Tess M. Lukowiak, Babar Rao

scarring alopecias biologics janus kinase inhibitors JAK inhibitors corticosteroids immunosuppressive agents TNF-α IL-17 IL-23 Interferon Alpha Receptor 1 inhibitors TNF-alpha Interferon Alpha Receptor 1

TLDR Biologics and JAK inhibitors may improve treatment for scarring alopecias.

Scarring alopecias lead to permanent hair loss and are challenging to treat with current options like corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, which often yield inconsistent results. This narrative review explores the off-label use of biologics and JAK inhibitors for these conditions, highlighting their potential to stabilize and resolve disease by targeting inflammatory and immune pathways. TNF-α, IL-17, and JAK inhibitors show the most promise, while IL-23 and Interferon Alpha Receptor 1 inhibitors also offer some benefits. These findings suggest that these newer therapies could improve patient outcomes in managing scarring alopecias.

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Research cited in this study

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