Unmet Needs for the Management of 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 switching therapies in patients with alopecia areata (AA) is often necessary when initial treatments fail, though it can create a cost burden, and how beyond updated guidelines, there are unmet needs such as improved long-term treatments and better psychological support for patients.

EP: 1.Discussing the Pathophysiology of Alopecia Areata

EP: 2.Common Comorbidities Associated With Alopecia Areata

EP: 3.Hallmark Symptoms Seen With Alopecia Areata

EP: 4.Psychosocial Impact of Alopecia Areata

EP: 5.Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata

EP: 6.Multimodal Care for Patients With Alopecia Areata

EP: 7.Epidemiology Associated wWith 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

Now Viewing

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

Video content above is prompted by the following:

Mostaghimi: What is your approach to switching therapies in patients with AA?
1. Discuss how switching therapies can be a cost burden for patients.
Friedland: Beyond updated guidelines for AA, what are some other unmet needs for the management of this disease?