Olumiant vs Litlessitinib, 2 New Drugs for Alopecia Areata Comparative!

What are the conventional treatments?

In adults, if the hair loss is not severe, steroid liniments and minoxidil can be applied, and steroid injections are given to treat areas where hair loss is slow.

In severe cases, immunotherapy called DPCP may be given. This is a very good medicine, but it is inconvenient to go to the hospital once a week to apply the medicine, and it only works in about 30% of patients.

You may also be given immunomodulators such as steroids or cyclosporine. However, since this is a hormonal drug, it cannot be used for long, as it can cause side effects such as weight gain, water buildup, elevated blood sugar, and osteoporosis.

Baricitinib, which was approved in Korea in March this year, has fewer side effects than steroids and is considered to be more effective. Therefore, it is predicted that in the next 5-6 years, about 80% of the total alopecia areata market will use these approved drugs.

First, the mechanism of action of the drug

Alopecia areata is a chronic autoimmune disease. It is a disease caused by the body's internal immune system attacking normal cells rather than foreign antigens. Both the previously approved baricitinib and ritlecitinib inhibit hair loss by selectively blocking immune cells from attacking hair follicles.

Second, the effect of the drug

SALT 20 means that the area of hair loss is less than 20% of the total scalp. Reaching SALT 20 is an indicator of treatment success, with baricitinib reaching approximately 35% at 36 weeks. If you continue to take baricitinib consistently, it will increase to about 45% at 52 weeks and 12 months

In the case of ritlecitinib, approximately 25% of patients achieved SALT 20 when observed at week 24, resulting in successful improvement. At week 48, approximately 40% of patients have reached SALT 20.

Both trials of the two drugs were conducted on patients with severe hair loss, which is more than 95% hair loss, so it can be considered a great effect.

Third, possible side effects

Baricitinib is originally approved for rheumatoid arthritis and atopic dermatitis. So the side effects are pretty small. Side effects have been reported include upper respiratory tract infections, acne, and slight headaches.

Ritlecitinib has a similarly low incidence of side effects. It can cause side effects such as upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and even mild acne.

Fourth, cost

In the case of baricitinib, it is currently estimated at about 650,000 won per month, and ritlecitinib, which is scheduled to be introduced next year, is expected to be roughly similar to or slightly higher than baricitinib. It is not covered by insurance yet, but if it is covered by insurance in the future, it will reduce the burden on patients.