Real World Evidence in Alopecia Areata: Current Management, Emerging Therapies and Future Challenges – A Narrative Review
June 2026
in “
Dove Medical Press (Taylor and Francis Group)
”
TLDR JAK inhibitors show promise for treating alopecia areata, but long-term safety and emotional support are important.
The narrative review explores the evolving treatment landscape for alopecia areata (AA), emphasizing the role of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors like baricitinib, ritlecitinib, and deuruxolitinib, which have shown promise in clinical trials, such as the BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 trials involving about 1,200 participants. These therapies represent a shift from traditional treatments with limited efficacy. The review underscores the importance of real-world data (RWD) and disease registries, like GRASS-International, for assessing long-term safety and effectiveness. It also highlights the psychological impact of AA and the need for comprehensive care, including mental health support. Future challenges include optimizing treatment strategies, understanding long-term safety, and addressing the emotional burden on patients.
