JAK Inhibitors Show Promise in Alopecia, but Long-Term Management Requires More Study: Maria Hordinsky, MD

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a promising and new method of treating alopecia areata, giving doctors new options for treating their patients, said Maria Hordinsky, MD, professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota. Hordinsky was a featured speaker at the recent Winter Clinical Dermatology meeting, held in Miami, Florida, from February 27 to March 1, 2026.

Hordinsky emphasized that the JAK inhibitor space is exciting because it is gaining more mainstream attention from doctors. As recently as 2021, there were no treatments available for alopecia areata. Now, there are 3 JAK inhibitors that can be used to help patients treat their hair loss. Researchers also are looking into the efficacy of switching JAK inhibitors after seeing a response with any JAK inhibitor as well to give patients the most choice in treatment.

However, Hordinsky noted that there are still some challenges in using JAK inhibitors, notably that not all patients respond to the treatment. Also, people who can’t take a JAK inhibitor because of a previous history of cancer or because they are pregnant also present some challenges in treating alopecia areata. Using the treatments over the long term can also change the way that the medication is distributed, especially to women who are trying to get pregnant and cannot take JAK inhibitors at that time. JAK inhibitors have also been previously used for episodes of alopecia rather than for a long period of time, which will make it important to continue to monitor patients using treatment for alopecia.

Hordinsky emphasized it is important to continue to do the research to continue learning about alopecia and methods of treatment to improve the management of treatment in those who are living with alopecia. This includes looking into the skin-gut relationship to determine any relationship between gut health and alopecia areata.