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Journal of Education, Health and Sport

Jak inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata - a literature review
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Jak inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata - a literature review

Authors

  • Paulina Krzeszowska Lower Silesian Oncology Center, plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5610-0006
  • Aleksandra Kujawa Independent Public Healthcare Complex in Pruszków, Armii Krajowej 2/4, 05-800 Pruszków https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3538-8631
  • Karolina Krochmal Lower Silesian Oncology Center, plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1909-8429
  • Wojciech Pisarek Institute of Internal Medicine, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3466-5476
  • Adrianna Samoraj Independent Public Healthcare Complex in Pruszków, Armii Krajowej 2/4, 05-800 Pruszków https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8539-6551
  • Jakub Zajączkowski West Mazovia Health Centre, Limanowskiego 30, 96-300 Żyrardów https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1722-4504
  • Kacper Stępniak West Masovia Health Centre, Bolesława Limanowskiego 30, 96-300 Żyrardów https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0273-6029
  • Jan Wilk Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, ul. Szaserów 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5805-2144
  • Karolina Marrodán-Wojtczak Central Clinical Hospital, University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6941-166X
  • Radosław Kuźma County Hospital in Sochaczew, Batalionów Chłopskich 3/7, 96-500 Sochaczew https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7914-7941

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.82.60104

Keywords

JAK inhibiors, alopecia areata, barticitinib, ruxolitinib, topical JAK inhibitors, JAK/ STAT pathway

Abstract

Introduction
Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder causing non-scarring hair loss, which can range from isolated patches to complete scalp (alopecia totalis, AT) or body hair loss (alopecia universalis, AU). It affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Around 10-20% of cases have a familial component, indicating a genetic predisposition. Symptoms often begin before age 40, with about half of patients experiencing onset in childhood, and it may coexist with other autoimmune diseases. The disease’s course is unpredictable, with spontaneous hair regrowth possible, though relapses are common, reaching a 100% relapse rate after 10-20 years. AA significantly affects quality of life, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. Research has linked AA to autoimmune processes involving the JAK-STAT pathway, which promotes inflammation around hair follicles. Recent studies highlight the potential of JAK inhibitors as effective treatments.

Material and methods

An electronic literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Evidence‑Based Medicine Reviews. Search terms included ‘alopecia areata’, ‘hair loss‘ , ‘JAK inhibitor’, ‘JAK-2 inhibitors’, ‘ Janus Kinase Inhibitors‘, ‘tofacitinib’, ruxolitinib’, ‘baricitinib’ as keywords. The review focused on articles published in English from their inception until 2025.

Conclusions

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent a significant advancement in treating alopecia areata by specifically targeting the JAK/STAT pathway, which is linked to hair loss. Oral JAK inhibitors like have shown the most promising results. However, challenges remain, including the risk of relapse after therapy, side effects, and limited efficacy of topical formulations. Ongoing research aims to develop more selective JAK inhibitors and maintenance strategies while addressing high treatment costs.

Author Biography

Wojciech Pisarek, Institute of Internal Medicine, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław

Department and Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Internal Medicine

 

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Journal of Education, Health and Sport

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Published

2025-06-05

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KRZESZOWSKA, Paulina, KUJAWA, Aleksandra, KROCHMAL, Karolina, PISAREK, Wojciech, SAMORAJ, Adrianna, ZAJĄCZKOWSKI, Jakub, STĘPNIAK, Kacper, WILK, Jan, MARRODÁN-WOJTCZAK, Karolina and KUŹMA, Radosław. Jak inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata - a literature review. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. Online. 5 June 2025. Vol. 82, p. 60104. [Accessed 7 July 2025]. DOI 10.12775/JEHS.2025.82.60104.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Paulina Krzeszowska, Aleksandra Kujawa, Karolina Krochmal, Wojciech Pisarek, Adrianna Samoraj, Jakub Zajączkowski, Kacper Stępniak, Jan Wilk, Karolina Marrodán-Wojtczak, Radosław Kuźma

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