Dose optimization of deuruxolitinib in adults with alopecia areata
A phase 2 randomized trial.
King B, Kempers S, Mesinkovska NA, Mirmirani P, McMichael A, Mackay-Wiggan J, Senna MM, Roberts JL, Mostaghimi A, Jarell A, Daly B, Hamilton C, Cassella J
Journal of the American Academy of DermatologyIn the feed 11 Sep 2026, published online 11 Sep 2026, issue 2026 Sep 11, added to PubMed 11 Sep 2026
Topics: Hair
Abstract
UNLABELLEDSupplementary tables: 1.
BACKGROUNDThe autoimmune disorder alopecia areata (AA) results in patchy or complete hair loss.
OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor deuruxolitinib dosed 8 mg twice daily (BID) or 16 mg once daily (QD) in adults with severe AA.
METHODSIn this phase 2 study (NCT03811912), patients were randomized to deuruxolitinib 8 mg BID or 16 mg QD. The primary endpoint was relative change from baseline in Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score at Week 24. Safety included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).
RESULTSThe study included 57 patients (mean age, 40.1 years; 66.7% female). At Week 24, the mean relative change from baseline in SALT score was greater with deuruxolitinib 8 mg BID (46.4 [90% confidence interval [CI], 34.3-58.4]) vs 16 mg QD (18.0 [90% CI, 7.6-28.4]), and greater proportions of patients receiving deuruxolitinib 8 mg BID vs 16 mg QD achieved SALT score ≤20 and ≤10. TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity.
LIMITATIONSThis study had a small sample size. Larger studies will further evaluate the efficacy and safety of deuruxolitinib.
CONCLUSIONDeuruxolitinib 8 mg BID was associated with greater improvements in scalp hair regrowth vs deuruxolitinib 16 mg QD.
Abstract from PubMed
PMID 42727780 · DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2026.09.013