Baricitinib for treating severe alopecia areata in children aged 6 to 17 years old

Baricitinib is in clinical development for the treatment of severe or very severe alopecia areata in children aged 6 to 17 years old. Alopecia areata is a disease that develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles (where the hair grows from). This can cause hair loss as small round patches of baldness anywhere on the body, to complete hair loss over the body and head. Most commonly, this occurs on the scalp and has high rates of recurrence. There are also psychological implications such as increased levels of anxiety and depression. There is a high unmet need for targeted treatments for severe alopecia areata in children as there are currently no options for people under 12 years.