Upadacitinib Has Positive Benefit-Risk Profile for Severe Alopecia Areata

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 12, 2026 (HealthDay News) -- For adults and adolescents with severe alopecia areata (AA), upadacitinib demonstrates a positive benefit-risk profile, according to a study published online Aug. 12 in JAMA Dermatology.Arash Mostaghimi, M.D., M.P.H., from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and colleagues examined the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in adults and adolescents with severe AA in two replicated randomized clinical trials (UP-AA1 and UP-AA2). Both trials included a 24-week placebo-controlled, double-blinded treatment period and a 28-week blinded extension treatment period (periods A and B, respectively).A total of 1,399 patients were randomly assigned to 15 mg upadacitinib (270 and 289 patients from UP-AA1 and UP-AA2, respectively), 30 mg upadacitinib (271 and 289, respectively), or placebo (135 and 145, respectively). The researchers found that the proportion of patients who achieved a Severity of Alopecia Tool score of 20 or less at week 24 was significantly higher for the 15-mg and 30-mg upadacitinib groups than the placebo group (UP-AA1: 45.2 and 55.0 versus 1.5 percent; UP-AA2: 44.6 and 54.3 versus 3.4 percent). Both doses had a similar safety profile in adults and adolescents, which was consistent with approved indications, with no new safety findings. Treatment-emergent serious adverse events occurred in 1.6, 2.3, and 0.4 percent of patients receiving 15 mg upadacitinib, 30 mg upadacitinib, and placebo, respectively, across both studies."These findings suggest that upadacitinib may be an effective therapeutic option for adults and adolescents with severe AA," the authors write.Several authors disclosed ties to pharmaceutical companies, including AbbVie, which manufactures upadacitinib and funded the study.Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required).Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

Upadacitinib Has Positive Benefit-Risk Profile for Severe Alopecia Areata

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