Alopecia Areata Affects 2%: Hope for New Treatments in Sight
Alopecia areata, a common autoimmune disorder, affects around 2% of the global population. It causes hair loss in distinct patterns, often leading to noticeable patches on the scalp. In severe cases, it may result in complete baldness.
Alopecia areata typically presents as round, coin-sized patches of hair loss, larger than a two-euro coin. These patches can appear anywhere on the scalp, but may also occur around the ears and neck, or merge to form larger areas. About one in ten people with alopecia areata will eventually lose all their scalp hair.
Researchers worldwide are actively studying the causes of alopecia areata and seeking effective treatments. An international team is conducting a Phase-3 study on Upadacitinib, an oral JAK inhibitor, involving 1,500 patients. Meanwhile, Mallia Therapeutics is developing a novel therapy using soluble CD83, backed by a panel of international experts. Other promising avenues include the ALLEGRO study on Ritlecitinib's long-term effectiveness, and emerging therapies like PRP-exosomes and new drugs targeting hair follicle stem cells.
Alopecia areata, affecting one in fifty people, can cause significant hair loss. While there's no cure yet, ongoing research offers hope for more effective treatments in the future.
