Upadacitinib treats alopecia areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is a genetically determined autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. The onset of alopecia is difficult to predict, evidence for known triggers is limited, and due to its visible nature, it has a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). One of the most common comorbidities of alopecia areata is atopic dermatitis (AD). Upadacitinib is not approved as a treatment for alopecia areata under current labeling.

Upadatinib, a once-daily oral, selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of refractory moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older. JAK inhibitors are a promising new treatment for alopecia areata, particularly for chronic severe atopic dermatitis. Limited information is available on upadatinib in cases of atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata in children.

Results from a study outlining patient outcomes for upadatinib off-label in alopecia areata. Alopecia and atopic dermatitis were basically eliminated within 6 weeks and further improved within 5 months. Because JAK1 targets multiple interleukin pathways, including upstream promoters of Th2, NKC, and macrophage activity, its inhibition is likely to independently alleviate the pathophysiology associated with alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis. Conversely, it is also possible that the inhibitory effect of upadatinib on the JAK1/STAT pathway specifically treats the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and that this improvement in atopic dermatitis symptoms indirectly leads to the regression of alopecia areata.

Clinical trials have shown promising results usingJAK1 inhibitors to treat atopic dermatitis and theoretically to treat alopecia areata because they share common pathogenesis. Although upadatinib is not yet approved for the indication of alopecia areata, preclinical evidence and the above rationale support its potential to treat this autoimmune disease. Therefore, if patients want to use upadatinib to treat alopecia areata, it is recommended to consult a doctor and conduct medication according to the doctor's advice and guidance.

The original drug Upatinib has been launched in China, and has subsequently entered the scope of Class B medical insurance. Only eligible patients can be reimbursed. Specifications The price of each box of 15mg*28 tablets may be around RMB 3,000. The European version of the original drug sold overseas is priced at more than 20,000 yuan for 15mg*30 tablets (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is expensive. Cheaper upadatinib generic drugs are also sold overseas, and their pharmaceutical ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drugs sold domestically and abroad. For example, the specifications produced by Bangladesh Pharmaceutical FactoryThe price of 15mg*30 tablets is about 900 yuan(Prices may fluctuate due to exchange rates).