Ritlecitinib in Severe Alopecia Areata: A Profile of Its Use

Ritlecitinib (Litfulo™) is a newly approved treatment for severe alopecia areata in individuals aged 12 years and older, marking it as the first targeted therapy for adolescents. In the phase 2b/3 ALLEGRO trial, involving patients with ≥ 50% scalp hair loss, ritlecitinib 50 mg taken once daily significantly improved hair regrowth, including eyebrows and eyelashes, with sustained results up to 48 weeks. The treatment is generally well tolerated, with mild adverse events. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing hair loss, affects about 2% of the global population and poses a psychological burden. Ritlecitinib offers a valuable option for those with severe disease, with approvals in the EU, USA, and other countries.