Alopecia, also known as hair loss, is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most common forms of alopecia is androgenic alopecia, which is caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In recent years, JAK inhibitors have shown promise as a treatment for alopecia, but how does the treatment work and why has it taken so long for this treatment to become available?
A New Type Of Treatment For Hair Loss
JAK inhibitors are a new type of treatment for alopecia that work by blocking proteins in the body called Janus Kinases (JAK). These proteins are involved in inflammation and autoimmune diseases, including alopecia. By blocking JAK proteins, inhibitors can reduce inflammation in hair follicles and thus help restore hair growth.
Although JAK inhibition is considered a promising treatment for alopecia, it has taken time for it to become available to the public. There are several factors that have contributed to this, including:
- Costs: It is an expensive treatment to manufacture and develop, which has made it difficult for manufacturers to set a reasonable price for the treatment.
- Side effects: Jak inhibitors have been shown to have some side effects, including headache, fatigue, and a higher risk of infections. These side effects have made the treatment unsuitable for all patients.
- Clinical trials: It takes time and resources to conduct clinical trials for new drugs and treatments. It is important to conduct extensive clinical trials to ensure safety and effectiveness.
A FDA Approved Treatment
Although it has taken time for JAK inhibitors to become available to the public, it has proven to be a promising treatment for alopecia. Tofacitinib has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hair loss. It is a JAK inhibitor that is used to treat certain autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It works by blocking the action of the JAK enzymes, which play a key role in the immune system’s response to inflammation. By inhibiting these enzymes, tofacitinib can help to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders.
In addition to its use in treating autoimmune disorders, Tofacitinib has also shown promise in the treatment of alopecia areata. In clinical trials, tofacitinib has been shown to promote hair regrowth in patients with moderate to severe alopecia areata. This is thought to be due to the drug’s ability to block the JAK enzymes that are involved in the immune response that leads to hair loss.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 20 patients who received treatment with the drug. All patients in this study had been diagnosed with alopecia areata, with 90% of them having more severe subtypes (70% alopecia universalis, 20% alopecia totalis). 60% of the patients in this study were treated with Tofacitinib for at least 12 months. During the study period, 25% of patients achieved full regrowth. Among patients treated for more than 12 months, 91.7% had regrowth by the end of the study period. Three patients were non-responders, with less than a 5% improvement in SALT score.
Pros and Cons of JAK Inhibitors
FDA approval of JAK inhibitors is a major step forward for the treatment of hair loss, but it is important to remember that it is not a miracle cure and that there are both pros and cons to the treatment.
Benefits of JAK Inhibitors For Treating Hair Loss
- It is a relatively new and promising treatment for hair loss.
- Jak inhibitors block a protein that can cause inflammation in hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
- The treatment can promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.
- It is a treatment that can be used by both men and women.
Disadvantages of JAK Inhibitors For Treating Hair Loss
- It is a new form of treatment, and there is still uncertainty about its long-term effects and possible side effects.
- It is an expensive treatment and can be difficult to access for many patients.
- Jak inhibitors do not guarantee results, and the outcomes can vary from person to person.
- The treatment must be used continuously to maintain the results, and discontinuing the treatment can lead to relapse.
Talk to a Specialist
If you suffer from alopecia and want to learn more about various treatment options, it is important to talk to your doctor or specialist. Contact us to book a free consultation and to learn more about possible treatments for hair loss, or to find a hair transplant Turkey package that fits your budget.
