August 26, 2026, 6:08 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Many people suffer from hair loss–especially when it occurs in young adulthood. The reasons for this can vary greatly, which is why there is no uniform therapy. Researchers have now discovered that a medication for arthritis can promote hair regrowth in cases of alopecia areata.
In Germany, an estimated 1.5 million people are affected by alopecia areata. This is an inflammatory condition whose causes are largely unexplored. Because those affected often lose hair in circular patches, the condition is colloquially known as “circular hair loss.” The disease can occur in both genders and at any age, but it is most common in children and young adults. In a recent study, researchers found that a medication for arthritis can promote hair regrowth by up to 80 percent in patients with alopecia areata.
What Was Examined in the Study?
For this randomized clinical study, U.S. researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston recruited 1,399 participants. This included 1,281 adults and 118 adolescents with severe forms of alopecia areata. Fifty-nine percent of the participants were female, and their ages ranged from 12 to 64 years.
The study participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group received a dose of 15 milligrams of upadacitinib over 24 weeks, while the other received a dose of 30 milligrams. Upadacitinib is a drug from the group of JAK inhibitors (Janus kinase inhibitors) that suppresses inflammation in the body. It blocks the enzyme Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inside cells, stopping the transmission of inflammatory signals. This calms the immune system and reduces inflammation.
The Active Ingredient Upadacitinib Is Used for Autoimmune Diseases
Upadacitinib is typically used for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and atopic dermatitis. “Upadacitinib is an oral medication taken once daily that targets the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. This cellular signaling pathway is important because it drives inflammation,” explains study lead author Arash Mostaghimi in the study description. In treating patients with eczema, it has already been observed that the medication also positively affects concurrent alopecia areata. Therefore, the study aimed to clinically prove this effect.
How Effective Is the Arthritis Medication Against Hair Loss?
The analysis of the study data showed that about half of the participants (45 percent) who took the 15-mg dose of upadacitinib experienced hair regrowth covering at least 80 percent of their scalp within 24 weeks. This was also true for the group that took a 30-mg dose of the medication, where even 55 percent of the participants experienced up to 80 percent hair regrowth.
The positive results extended beyond scalp hair. The condition of eyebrows and eyelashes also improved for most study participants through treatment with the medication. Additionally, they reported feeling better emotionally and socially.
According to study lead author Mostaghimi, these results demonstrate both a rapid response and high efficacy of upadacitinib as a medication for alopecia areata.
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The Treatment Also Boosts Patients’ Self-Confidence
Hair loss negatively affects the self-confidence of many people. This study shows that effective treatment not only results in fuller hair but also restores patients’ self-confidence. “The primary goal of treating alopecia areata is not just increased hair density but also the restoration of patients’ self-confidence and quality of life,” explains Arash Mostaghimi.
This research also has a direct positive impact on those affected. According to the researcher, the study has led to upadacitinib being approved in Europe for the treatment of severe alopecia areata. This is remarkable, as approval in the U.S., where the study was conducted, is still pending. However, the researchers are confident that this will also happen there.
Limitations of the Study Despite Positive Results
The study data are already very positive and offer hope to people with alopecia areata. However, long-term data on the efficacy, safety, and sustainability of the therapy are still lacking. Therefore, the study will be extended by another 28 weeks in the next step. The study design will be blinded, meaning some participants will unknowingly receive placebos. This is the only way to determine whether the medication truly works. The researchers also want to determine which medication dose is optimal for treating hair loss while being safe for long-term use.
Among the previously observed side effects of the therapy, about five percent of patients experienced upper respiratory tract infections, acne, elevated blood creatine phosphokinase, and flu-like infections. However, it is unclear whether these are directly related to the medication intake.