Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug May Support Hair Regrowth in Alopecia

Results from two clinical trials show that a common rheumatoid arthritis drug, upadacitinib, supported hair regrowth in alopecia. Viktoriya Skorikova/Moment/Getty Images Researchers report that the drug upadacitinib, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, effectively treated the hair loss condition alopecia areata in two clinical trials. The medication, sold under the brand name Rinvoq, is a JAK inhibitor that can help block the immune system response responsible for alopecia areata. There are other JAK inhibitor medications currently available for hair loss, but experts say that upadacitinib could provide those with alopecia with another treatment option. A commonly used medication to treat rheumatoid arthritis may help people with a serious hair loss condition, according to a new study. Researchers report that the medication upadacitinib, sold under the brand name Rinvoq, was effective in two phase 3 clinical trials in helping people regain some of their hair. The participants were diagnosed with serious forms of alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss that can affect the scalp and other areas of the bo…