Ritlecitinib: A New Approach for Alopecia areata

Authors

  • Suwitcha Sawekkulchol Pharmacy Department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Keywords:

ritlecitinib, JAK3/TEC inhibitor, alopecia areata

Abstract

Ritlecitinib is the first selective Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) and Tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (TEC) inhibitor to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration on June 23, 2023, for the treatment of alopecia areata. The drug works by inhibiting JAK3 and the TEC kinase family through the irreversible blockade of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding site. This inhibition results in the suppression of signaling through gamma-chain receptors for cytokines IL-15 and IL-21, as well as the prevention of the destruction of CD8+ T cells and Natural Killer cells, all of which contribute to alopecia areata. An advantage of ritlecitinib, compared to other JAK inhibitors, is that it does not exhibit clinical effects associated with JAK1/JAK2 inhibition, including pharmacodynamic effects such as increased cholesterol levels and elevated liver enzymes, as well as a reduced incidence of thrombocytopenia and anemia. However, there is limited research on the long-term safety of ritlecitinib, therefore, additional long-term studies are necessary.

Author Biography

Suwitcha Sawekkulchol, Pharmacy Department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

B.Sc. in Pharm.

References

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Published

2024-08-31

How to Cite

1.
Sawekkulchol S. Ritlecitinib: A New Approach for Alopecia areata. Thai J Hosp Pharm [internet]. 2024 Aug. 31 [cited 2026 Mar. 4];34(2):261-7. available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TJHP/article/view/265789

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Section

Continuing Pharmaceutical Education