Olumiant® (Baricitinib)-A Newly Approved Janus Kinase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata.

Olumiant® (Baricitinib) is a newly approved treatment for alopecia areata. Baricitinib is a selective and reversible inhibitor of Janus kinase that has shown promising results in two randomized, placebo-controlled phase-3 trials. A significantly higher number of patients achieved at least 80% scalp coverage following 36 weeks of treatment, compared to the placebo group. Adverse effects reported include acne and urinary tract infections, in addition to the warnings and precautions as highlighted in the product monograph. The current recommended regimen is 2 mg or 4 mg taken once daily, depending on the extent of hair loss. Other approved indications for baricitinib treatment include management of rheumatoid arthritis and the COVID-19 infections. (SKINmed. 2022;20:452-455).