A study has shown that an arthritis medication can help restore nearly all hair for those with severe alopecia. Alopecia areata, which affects about 2% of the global population, is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. While it’s possible to reverse the condition, stopping this autoimmune response is challenging.
In a clinical trial funded by the drug’s manufacturer, researchers tested two doses of the anti-inflammatory drug upadacitinib against a placebo. This study involved 1,399 participants, aged 12 to 64, including 118 adolescents. All participants had lost at least 50% of their scalp hair when the study began. The phase 3 trials lasted for 24 weeks. Early results were promising, with participants receiving both low and high doses showing significant hair loss reduction compared to those taking the placebo by week 8.
At the end of the study, 44% of participants taking 15 milligrams of upadacitinib had restored 80% of their scalp and eyebrow hair coverage. For those taking 30 milligrams, 55% reached the same level of improvement, indicating that the higher dose was more effective. Some participants experienced serious side effects, including one case of breast cancer in a patient who already had concerning mammogram results before the trial. Two other serious side effects were reported, affecting individuals who were at high risk for health issues. No deaths occurred, and the side effects were not new.
On a positive note, many participants reported better quality of life, particularly relating to depression, by the study’s conclusion. Between 13% and 22.5% of those on upadacitinib regained all their scalp hair, depending on the dose. The authors noted that in a condition often linked to significant emotional challenges, linking hair regrowth to improvements in patients’ reported well-being is crucial to considering a treatment effective.
Upadacitinib was selected for the trial due to similarities with existing alopecia treatments. However, it is important to note that the study was funded by the company that produces the drug, including involvement from its employees. Although the study underwent independent peer review, more investigations without conflicts of interest are needed before upadacitinib can be recognized as a genuine treatment for alopecia. Yet, many individuals who have faced the stigma of hair loss might now see their hair returning, which is a positive outcome to reflect on.
What do you think about this development in treating alopecia?
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Source: Good News Network, by Good News Network