A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ivarmacitinib (SHR0302) in adult patients with moderate-to-severe alopecia areata

Risk of serious infection with JAK inhibitors in immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Emerging research suggests that Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) inhibitors may be associated with a higher risk of serious infection for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is no consensus on whether JAK inhibitors increase the risk of serious infection in patients with Immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases (IMISDs).

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain the correlation between JAK inhibitor use and the risk of serious infection in patients with IMISDs.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and registered Clinical Trials were searched up to June 1, 2024, using specific search terms related to JAK inhibitors and IMISDs. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing JAK inhibitors with a control group in patients with IMISDs were included. Studies focusing on cohort studies, case reports, case series, review articles, pooled analysis studies, post hoc analyses and topical JAK inhibitors were excluded. Data were extracted independently by two authors, focusing on serious infections defined according to each study's criteria. Crude numbers for serious infections were pooled and underwent meta-analysis. We assessed the primary outcome regarding the occurrence of severe infections for each study.

RESULTS

Thirty-two randomized clinical trials involving 11,917 patients were included. Serious infections were reported in 0.62% of patients receiving JAK inhibitors and 0.51% of controls. Meta-analysis found no significant increase in risk of serious infection (I2=0.00%, RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.43-1.07). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant heterogeneity based on condition (p = .56) or medication (p = .69).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrates that JAK inhibitors do not significantly increase the risk of serious infections in IMISD patients compared to control treatments. These findings support the safety of JAK inhibitors in this population. Future research should focus on real-world evidence to further assess their risk-benefit profile in dermatological practice.

Efficacy of Janus kinase inhibitors in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases a systematic literature review informing the 2024 update of an international consensus statement

OBJECTIVE

This systematic literature review (SLR) on efficacy outcomes was performed to inform the 2024 update of the expert consensus statement on the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi).

METHODS

An update of the 2019 SLR was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. For efficacy, randomised, placebo (PLC)- or active-controlled trials on all JAKi investigated in IMIDs, as well as cohort and claims data for conditions where such studies were not available, were included.

RESULTS

In total, 10,556 records were screened, and 182 articles were included in the final analysis, investigating 21 JAKi in 51 IMIDs. Forty-three phase 2 and 59 phase 3 trials as well as 9 strategic trials and 72 pilot or cohort studies and case series were considered. JAKi demonstrated efficacy both in PLC-controlled trials as well as in head-to-head comparisons against active comparators, with 93 of 102 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) meeting their primary endpoints. Since 2019, 8 JAKi have received approval by the Federal Drug Agency and the European Medicine Agency for treatment of 11 IMIDs; of these, for 2, no approved disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy had previously been available.

CONCLUSIONS

JAKi are effective for treating IMIDs, and various compounds have recently been approved. The impact of Janus kinase (JAK) selectivity for distinct JAK-STAT pathways needs further investigation, and few data are also available on sustained disease control upon tapering or withdrawal or on the optimal strategic placement of JAKi in international treatment algorithms.

Ivarmacitinib for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Adults and Adolescents: A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Ivarmacitinib, a selective oral Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy for treating adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in a phase 2 trial.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of ivarmacitinib in adolescents and adults with moderate to severe AD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 randomized clinical trial included patients aged 12 to 75 years with moderate to severe AD. Patients were enrolled from 53 sites in Canada and China from April 2021 to April 2022. Data were analyzed from July 11 to September 27, 2023.

Interventions

Patients were randomized (1:1:1) to receive once-daily 4- or 8-mg ivarmacitinib or placebo for 16 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Co-primary end points were the proportions of patients achieving an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) with at least a 2-grade improvement from baseline and an Eczema Area and Severity Index score improvement of 75% (EASI-75) at week 16.

Results

Of 336 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 31.1 [15.4] years; 213 [63.4%] male; 286 [85.1%] Asian), 113 received 4-mg ivarmacitinib, 112 received 8-mg ivarmacitinib, and 111 received placebo. At week 16, significantly more patients in the 4-mg ivarmacitinib group (41 of 113 [36.3%]; 95% CI, 27.5%-45.9%; P < .001) and the 8-mg ivarmacitinib group (47 of 112 [42.0%]; 95% CI, 32.7%-51.7%; P < .001) achieved an IGA score of 0 or 1 with at least a 2-grade improvement compared to the placebo group (10 of 111 [9.0%]; 95% CI, 4.4%-15.9%). EASI-75 responses were also significantly higher in the ivarmacitinib groups: 61 patients (54.0%; 95% CI, 44.4%-63.4%; P < .001) in the 4-mg group, and 74 (66.1%; 95% CI, 56.5%-74.8%; P < .001) in 8-mg group compared to 24 patients (21.6%; 95% CI, 14.4%-30.4%) in the placebo group. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported by 78 patients (69.0%) in the 4-mg group, 74 (66.1%) in the 8-mg group, and 72 (64.9%) in the placebo group. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 3 patients (2.7%) in the 4-mg group, 2 (1.8%) in the 8-mg group, and 3 (2.7%) in the placebo group.

Conclusions and Relevance

This phase 3 randomized clinical trial determined that once-daily ivarmacitinib demonstrated significant efficacy and a favorable risk-benefit profile for treating moderate to severe AD in adults and adolescents. These results support the potential of ivarmacitinib as a new therapeutic option.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04875169.

The Relative Efficacy and Safety of Monotherapies for Alopecia Areata: A Network Meta-Analysis Study

BACKGROUND

Scant evidence exists for the relative efficacy of therapies for alopecia areata (AA)-including those approved by the Food and Drug Administration, namely, baricitinib, deuruxolitinib, and ritlecitinib.

AIMS

We determined the relative efficacy and safety of monotherapy with janus kinase inhibitors (JAKIs), apremilast, and dupilumab.

METHODS

Following a systematic review, we conducted Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMAs) that produced Surface Under the Cumulative RAnking (SUCRA) values and point estimates for pairwise relative effects; we also performed sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

In total, regimens with eight various JAKIs were compared, namely, ruxolitinib, ATI-501, baricitinib, brepocitinib, deuruxolitinib, ivarmacitinib, ritlecitinib, and tofacitinib. Our analyses ranked "deuruxolitinib 12 mg twice daily for 24 weeks," the most efficacious insofar as "proportion of participants achieving SALT ≤ 20 at 24 weeks" (SALT20) (SUCRA = 92.6%), and "proportion of participants achieving SALT ≤ 10 at 24 weeks" (SALT10) (SUCRA = 97.7%). As per SALT20, the highest-ranked regimen was more efficacious than "baricitinib 2 mg once daily for 24 weeks" (odds ratio [OR] = 5.37, 95% credible interval [CI] = 1.59, 13.70, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the efficacy of the FDA-approved JAKIs exhibited a dose-dependent relationship; for instance, baricitinib 4 mg once daily for 24 weeks was more efficacious than "baricitinib 2 mg once daily for 24 weeks" in terms of SALT20 (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.56, 3.21, p < 0.05). Results from our sensitivity analyses support that our base analyses were robust.

CONCLUSIONS

We produced high-quality evidence on the comparative effectiveness of monotherapies for AA with various regimens of 8 JAKIs, including the FDA-approved ones. Our findings can improve clinicians' decision-making and update guidelines for medical practice.

Emerging Therapeutic Innovations for Vitiligo Treatment

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder with a multifactorial etiology, typically manifesting as localized or generalized hypopigmentation or depigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is complex and significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Although traditional treatments such as hormone therapy, topical medications, and laser therapy can help control the disease to some extent, their outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Therefore, ongoing research is crucial to explore and develop novel treatment strategies while assessing their efficacy and safety. This review aims to classify and summarize various new candidate drugs for vitiligo currently undergoing clinical trials, providing a reference for clinical practice. Recent advancements in the understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo have facilitated the development of potential treatment strategies, such as Janus kinase inhibitors, cytokine blockers, and agents targeting tissue-resident memory or regulatory T cells. These emerging therapies offer hope to patients with vitiligo, though further investigation is needed to confirm their safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment regimens.

II Consensus of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology for the treatment of alopecia areata

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata is a highly frequent disease with great variability in clinical presentation, severity, and prognosis. It has a significant negative impact on quality of life, especially in the moderate and severe forms.

OBJECTIVE

To disseminate guidelines, prepared by a group of Brazilian experts, for the treatment and follow-up of patients with alopecia areata.

METHODS

Eight specialists from different university centers with experience in alopecia areata were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology to reach a consensus on its treatment. Using the adapted DELPHI methodology, relevant elements were considered and then an analysis of the recent literature was carried out and the text produced. Consensus on the guidelines was defined with the approval of at least 70% of the panel of experts.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Treatments vary according to patient age and disease severity. Intralesional injectable corticosteroid therapy was considered the first option for localized disease in adults. In severe cases, Janus Kinase inhibitors are the treatment with the highest level of evidence. Systemic corticosteroid therapy and immunosuppressants (corticosteroid-sparing agents) are also options in these cases. Contact immunotherapy (diphencyprone) is an alternative for stable extensive cases. The assessment of side effects is as important as the hair regrowth rate.

Risk of infections during treatment with oral Janus kinase inhibitors in randomized placebo-controlled trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors block pathways involved in inflammation and immune response, making JAK inhibitors useful in the treatment of various diseases. While the efficacy of these drugs has been proven in several studies, their safety profile needs to be further investigated. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the risk of infections during treatment with oral JAK inhibitors with no concomitant treatment compared to placebo in phase 2 and 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials. The medical databases PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched from inception through February 2024, yielding 13,567 nonduplicate articles, of which 69 were included in the final quantitative analysis. Overall, we found that treatment with oral JAK inhibitors was associated with an increased risk of infections compared to placebo across all indications (relative risk: 1.39 [95% CI: 1.096-1.76, P = .0067]) and in dermatologic indications (relative risk: 1.46 [95% CI, 1.10-1.93, P = .0097]). Remarkably, an increased risk of herpes zoster infections was found in dermatologic indications but not in nondermatologic indications. In conclusion, we identified a significantly increased risk of developing infections during treatment with oral JAK inhibitors compared to placebo across indications. In sub-analyses, we additionally found an increased risk of herpes zoster in dermatologic indications.

Innovation in Alopecia Areata

Advances in understanding of AA have led to the first approved therapies for this disease, and in the past two years, there have been three medicines approved for the treatment of severe alopecia areata. There are numerous clinical trials of novel therapeutics underway across the spectrum of AA.

Innovative strategies for the discovery of new drugs against alopecia areata: taking aim at the immune system

INTRODUCTION

The autoimmune hair loss condition alopecia areata (AA) exacts a substantial psychological and socioeconomic toll on patients. Biotechnology companies, dermatology clinics, and research institutions are dedicated to understanding AA pathogenesis and developing new therapeutic approaches. Despite recent efforts, many knowledge gaps persist, and multiple treatment development avenues remain unexplored.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes key AA disease mechanisms, current therapeutic methods, and emerging treatments, including Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. The authors determine that innovative drug discovery strategies for AA are still needed due to continued unmet medical needs and the limited efficacy of current and emerging therapeutics. For prospective AA treatment developers, the authors identify the pre-clinical disease models available, their advantages, and limitations. Further, they outline treatment development opportunities that remain largely unmapped.

EXPERT OPINION

While recent advancements in AA therapeutics are promising, challenges remain, including the lack of consistent treatment efficacy, long-term use and safety issues, drug costs, and patient compliance. Future drug development research should focus on patient stratification utilizing robust biomarkers of AA disease activity and improved quantification of treatment response. Investigating superior modes of drug application and developing combination therapies may further improve outcomes. Spirited innovation will be needed to advance more effective treatments for AA.

Up-and-Coming Drugs for the Treatment of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes depigmented patches on the skin. It affects 0.5%-2.0% of the global population. It goes beyond physical appearance, often leading to stigmatization, low self-esteem, and depression, burdening patients with psychosocial challenges. The pathogenesis of vitiligo involves the loss of melanocytes due to autoreactive CD8+ T cells, triggered by environmental stressors and exacerbated by cellular vulnerabilities and immune responses. The release of danger signals and pro-inflammatory factors initiates an immune cascade perpetuating melanocyte destruction, mainly driven by interferon-γ and the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9/10-chemokine receptor 3 axis. Long-lasting tissue-resident memory T cells (Trms) and cytokines contribute to lesion persistence. Current treatments focus on topical steroids and tacrolimus, systemic steroids, and phototherapies, but their efficacy remains suboptimal, necessitating the development of new therapeutic options. Building on recent advancements in understanding the immunological mechanisms in vitiligo pathogenesis, with the initiation of Food and Drug Administration approval of topical ruxolitinib, various potential treatment options such as JAK inhibitors, cytokine blockers, and Trm or regulatory T cell targeting agents are being clinically researched and anticipated for vitiligo based on both preclinical and clinical data. This review aims to categorize and summarize the diverse investigational drugs currently undergoing clinical trials for vitiligo. By examining clinical outcomes, it is anticipated that this review will bring hope to dermatologists and patients regarding vitiligo, a condition that has historically posed challenges and transform it into a realm of potential possibilities.

Comparative efficacy of oral Janus kinase inhibitors and biologics in adult alopecia areata: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the hair follicles, resulting in patchy recurrent hair loss. A large body of evidence has demonstrated the favourable clinical response of the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and biologics, but a lack of comprehensive comparison among these therapies exists in the current literature. This study aimed to compare their efficacy. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed including randomized trials that report the outcomes of the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT)50 and/or the mean change in SALT. These articles were pooled and a network meta-analysis (NAM) was conducted. Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve estimates obtained for the mean change in SALT score, baricitinib_4 mg (0.7949656) had the best probability of being the most effective therapy, followed by ritlecitinib_200_50 mg (0.7391906) and ivarmacitinib_4 mg (0.7292594). In contrast, dupilumab, secukinumab, tralokinumab and apremilast were less likely to be effective. Targeting the JAK signalling pathway holds great potential for restoring hair regrowth, albeit the contribution of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2 inhibition to the therapeutic effect on AA is apparently different. Baricitinib_4 mg and ritlecitinib 200_50 mg demonstrated notable efficacy, and both molecules displayed a dose-dependent effect, which is not observed with ivarmacitinib. Further investigations into the specific mechanisms of action of these JAK inhibitors are warranted to elucidate the reasons behind these differences.

Novel investigational drugs for alopecia areata and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated disease that causes non-scarring hair loss. While acute, solitary patches often spontaneously remit, developing secondary patches or failure of the disease to resolve within 6-12 months predicts a poor prognosis, with an increased risk of alopecia totalis or universalis. Chronic AA increases the risk of depression and suicidality and reduces quality of life. Treatment options for chronic or acute diffuse AA were previously limited to corticosteroids and traditional immunomodulators. Two Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are now approved for the treatment of chronic AA.

AREAS COVERED

The results of landmark phase 3 trials for three JAK inhibitors, baricitinib, ritlecitinib, and deuruxolitinib are discussed. Evidence for other JAK inhibitors, biologics, and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are also presented. Therapies currently undergoing clinical trials are listed.

EXPERT OPINION

JAK inhibitors are a safe and efficacious treatment of moderate-to-severe AA. Early intervention, regardless of severity, allows for improved treatment efficacy. It is uncertain how long patients should remain on JAK inhibitors; discontinuation often leads to relapse. A black-box warning for JAK inhibitors was extrapolated from safety data in a rheumatoid arthritis cohort; recent meta-analyses of JAK inhibitors used in dermatology cohorts do not demonstrate the same risk profile.

Comparative efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of moderate-to-severe alopecia areata: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to indirectly compare the relative efficacy and safety of the latest JAK inhibitors for moderate-to-severe alopecia areata (AA). 13 trials totaling 3,613 patients were included. Two low-dose groups of oral formulations (ritlecitinib 10mg and ivarmacitinib 2mg) and two topical formulations (delgocitinib ointment and ruxolitinib cream) appeared to be relatively ineffective against moderate-to-severe AA. Ranking analysis suggested that brepocitinib 30mg has the best relative effect in reducing the SALT score (sucra = 0.9831), and demonstrated comparable efficacy to deuruxolitinib 12mg (sucra = 0.9245), followed by deuruxolitinib 8mg (sucra = 0.7736). Regarding the SALT50 response, brepocitinib 30mg ranked highest (sucra = 0.9567), followed by ritlecitinib 50mg (sucra = 0.8689) and deuruxolitinib 12mg (sucra = 0.7690). For achieving the SALT75 response, deuruxolitinib 12mg had the highest probability (sucra = 0.9761), followed by deuruxolitinib 8mg (sucra = 0.8678) and brepocitinib 30mg (sucra = 0.8448). Deuruxolitinib 12mg might be the most effective therapy for patients with severe AA (sucra = 0.9395), followed by ritlecitinib 50mg (sucra = 0.8753) and deuruxolitinib 8mg (sucra = 0.8070). Deuruxolitinib 12mg/8mg demonstrated notable efficacy for moderate-to-severe AA, and is expected to be a new treatment option for AA. It was worth noting that deuruxolitinib exhibit a greater likelihood of causing adverse events in comparison to other JAK inhibitors. Ritlecitinib 50mg seemed to exhibit fewer adverse effects in the high-dose groups of oral JAK inhibitors and might be an optimal choice to balance safety and efficacy. The majority of JAK inhibitors exhibited acceptable short-term safety profiles. To enhance the applicability and accuracy of our research, further head-to-head trials with longer follow-up periods are needed. Systematic Review Registration: identifier [CRD42022368012].

Short-Term Cardiovascular Complications in Dermatology Patients Receiving JAK-STAT Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

Evolving evidence suggests that patients receiving Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription inhibitors (JAK-STATi) may be at higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Most existing literature has focused on indications that may confer a higher MACE and VTE risk than that among patients with isolated dermatological indications.

Objective

To evaluate risk of MACE, VTE, serious adverse events (SAEs), and tolerability of systemic JAK-STATi compared with placebo, in those with a dermatologic indication.

Data Sources

A systematic review of the literature was carried out to June 2023, using databases Embase, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library of Registered Trials, and registered Clinical Trials. The analysis was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The analysis itself took place in June 2023.

Study Selection

Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials that compared systemic JAK-STATi with placebo, and investigated the safety in patients with alopecia areata, psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus or hidradenitis suppurativa.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Study selection and data extraction by 2 authors working independently using a standardized template. Crude numbers for MACE, VTE, SAEs, and study discontinuation due to treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were pooled and underwent meta-analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incidence of MACE, VTE, SAE, and study discontinuation due to TEAEs. Analysis of these values against person exposure years to determine the incidence rate (IR). Risk ratios (RRs) compared incidence rates among treatment and placebo comparator arms.

Results

Forty-five randomized clinical trials were eligible for inclusion, with 12 996 patients receiving active JAK-STATi therapy and 4925 allocated to placebo treatment. Meta-analysis found no significant increase in MACE (I2 = 0.00%; RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28-0.80) or VTE (I2 = 0.00%; RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.26-0.80) between placebo and JAK-STATi comparator arms. There was also no significant difference in SAEs (I2 = 12.38%; RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.72-1.20) and discontinuations between JAK-STATi and placebo (I2 = 23.55%; RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.76-1.19).

Conclusions and Relevance

This meta-analysis did not identify a significant increase in the risk of MACE and VTE in dermatology patients receiving JAK-STATi for median duration of 16 weeks. The results of this review suggest there is insufficient evidence that JAK-STATi confer an increased risk of cardiovascular complications in dermatological patients, especially when used for short time frames.

Alopecia areata: What's new in the diagnosis and treatment with JAK inhibitors?

Alopecia areata (AA) affects individuals of all ages and is intractable in severe relapsing cases. Dermatologists and other healthcare providers should consider AA in the medical context and prioritize treatment. Several randomized controlled clinical studies on Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors with different specificities for the treatment of AA are ongoing. These studies have encouraged us to appreciate the importance of a definitive diagnosis and accurate evaluation of AA before and during treatment. Following our previous review article in 2017, here we provide the second part of this two-review series on the recent progress in the multidisciplinary approaches to AA from more than 1800 articles published between July 2016 and December 2022. This review focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of AA. We also provide the latest information on the safety and efficacy of JAK inhibitors for the treatment of AA and describe their mechanisms of action.

A Novel JAK1 Inhibitor SHR0302 Combined With Prednisone for First-Line Treatment of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: A Phase I Clinical Trial

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a potentially life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Standard steroid first-line treatment could not satisfy therapeutic needs due to limited efficacy. As a highly selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitor, SHR0302 exhibits a reduced inhibition effect on JAK2 and might have less effect on hematopoiesis. This phase I clinical trial investigated the tolerability and safety of SHR0302 in combination with prednisone, and its early efficacy evidence as a potential first-line treatment to moderate/severe cGVHD. The standard 3 + 3 dose escalation was implemented to find the optimal dose of SHR0302. And prednisone was concurrently administrated with a dose of 1 mg/kg/d and then gradually tapered after 2 weeks. Eighteen patients were enrolled into the study. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 38.9% of patients. Only one patient developed DLT (grade ≥ 3 hypercholesterolemia) in the highest dose-level group who had pre-existing hypercholesterolemia. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. No patient discontinued treatment due to AEs. Sixteen out of 18 patients were evaluable for responses, the ORR at week 4 and week 24 were 94.4 and 87.5%, respectively. Overall, the treatment of SHR0302 combined with prednisone was safe and well-tolerated, preliminary clinical results presented a high response for previously untreated cGVHD and a significant reduction in prednisone use in this study. A phase II trial will be conducted to further investigate its therapeutic effects clinically.

Synthesis and clinical application of small-molecule inhibitors of Janus kinase

Janus kinase (JAK) plays a crucial role in intracellular signaling pathways, particularly in cytokine-mediated signal transduction, making them attractive therapeutic targets for a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and inflammatory conditions. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the development and therapeutic potential of small-molecule inhibitors targeting JAK family of proteins in various clinical trials. It also discusses the mechanisms of action, specificity, and selectivity of these inhibitors, shedding light on the challenges associated with achieving target selectivity while minimizing off-target effects. Moreover, the review offers insights into the clinical applications of JAK inhibitors, summarizing the ongoing clinical trials and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved JAK inhibitors currently available for various diseases. Overall, this review provides a thorough examination of the synthesis and clinical use of typical small-molecule JAK inhibitors in different clinical stages and offers a bright future for the development of novel small-molecule JAK inhibitors.

Inhibition of T-cell activity in alopecia areata: recent developments and new directions

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that has a complex underlying immunopathogenesis characterized by nonscarring hair loss ranging from small bald patches to complete loss of scalp, face, and/or body hair. Although the etiopathogenesis of AA has not yet been fully characterized, immune privilege collapse at the hair follicle (HF) followed by T-cell receptor recognition of exposed HF autoantigens by autoreactive cytotoxic CD8+ T cells is now understood to play a central role. Few treatment options are available, with the Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor baricitinib (2022) and the selective JAK3/tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (TEC) inhibitor ritlecitinib (2023) being the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved systemic medications thus far for severe AA. Several other treatments are used off-label with limited efficacy and/or suboptimal safety and tolerability. With an increased understanding of the T-cell-mediated autoimmune and inflammatory pathogenesis of AA, additional therapeutic pathways beyond JAK inhibition are currently under investigation for the development of AA therapies. This narrative review presents a detailed overview about the role of T cells and T-cell-signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of AA, with a focus on those pathways targeted by drugs in clinical development for the treatment of AA. A detailed summary of new drugs targeting these pathways with expert commentary on future directions for AA drug development and the importance of targeting multiple T-cell-signaling pathways is also provided in this review.