A new study published on August 12 in JAMA Dermatology shows that upadacitinib, a drug commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may help regrow hair in people with severe alopecia areata. The findings come from two phase 3 clinical trials conducted between November 2023 and July 2025, involving nearly 1,400 participants aged 12 to 64 across 25 and 28 countries respectively. Participants had lost at least 50% of scalp hair due to the autoimmune condition, which causes the immune system to attack hair follicles.
Researchers tested daily doses of 15 mg and 30 mg of upadacitinib against a placebo. Within 24 weeks, nearly half of those on the 15 mg dose achieved 80% scalp hair regrowth, rising to over 54% in the 30 mg group. More than 35% on the lower dose and about 46% on the higher dose regained 90% or more of their hair, compared to roughly 1% in the placebo group. Complete regrowth occurred in 13% and 23% respectively. Over half on the 30 mg dose also regrew significant eyelash and eyebrow hair. Common side effects included acne, colds, and upper respiratory infections, with serious adverse events being rare.
The drug, sold as Rinvoq, is a JAK inhibitor that blocks proteins involved in immune-triggered inflammation. Spencer Kobren, founder of the American Hair Loss Association, called the results encouraging, though he was not involved in the research. Anthony Oro, a dermatology professor at Stanford University, also described the findings as promising. Participants continued treatment under blinded conditions for an additional 28 weeks to assess long-term outcomes.
The same drug used for rheumatoid arthritis producing significant hair regrowth raises questions about how existing medications might be repurposed for conditions with no cure. This could shift treatment approaches for autoimmune-related hair loss if regulatory approval follows.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
