Exploring Ritlecitinib for Alopecia Areata

Author(s):

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA,Amy McMichael, MD

Key Takeaways

Alopecia areata is a chronic autoimmune disorder causing non-scarring hair loss due to immune system attacks on hair follicles.
Breakdown of immune privilege in hair follicles leads to infiltration by cytotoxic T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells.
Inflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ and TNF-α are key contributors to immune-mediated hair follicle destruction.
The chronicity of alopecia areata is linked to persistent immune dysregulation and genetic predisposition.

Panelists discuss how ritlecitinib, approved by the FDA in 2023 as the first Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for adolescents with severe alopecia areata (AA), offers distinct properties that make it suitable for younger patients, and how its introduction influences treatment decisions and integration into the AA treatment algorithm, while addressing concerns around drug-to-drug interactions.

EP: 1.Discussing the Pathophysiology of Alopecia Areata

EP: 2.Epidemiology Associated With Alopecia Areata

EP: 3.Common Comorbidities Associated With Alopecia Areata

EP: 4.Hallmark Symptoms Seen With Alopecia Areata

EP: 5.Psychosocial Impact of Alopecia Areata

EP: 6.Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata

EP: 7.Multimodal Care for Patients With Alopecia Areata

EP: 8.Deciding When to Treat Patients With Alopecia Areata

EP: 9.Choosing an Initial Therapy for Alopecia Areata

EP: 10.Adherence to Alopecia Areata Therapies

EP: 11.Adverse Events Associated With Conventional Alopecia Areata Therapies

EP: 12.Exploring Guidelines for Alopecia Areata

EP: 13.Unmet Needs for the Management of Alopecia Areata

EP: 14.Discussing Baricitinib for Alopecia Areata

EP: 15.Highlighting Deuruxolitinib for Alopecia Areata

Now Viewing

EP: 16.Exploring Ritlecitinib for Alopecia Areata

EP: 17.Analyzing the Safety Data of JAK Inhibitors

Video content above is prompted by the following:

Ungar: Ritlecitinib is the first and only treatment approved by the FDA, in 2023, for adolescents (age 12 and older+) with severe AA. What are its distinct properties compared to other JAK inhibitors that contribute to the potential use in adolescents?
1. How does the introduction of a pediatric treatment option influence your treatment decision?
2. Where does this leave ritlecitinib in the treatment algorithm for AA
3. How do you deal with the drug-to-drug interactions associated with this therapy?