JAK Inhibitors: New Lifeline for Hair Loss Treatment

Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are the ones that inhibit the functional activity of enzymes that belong to Janus Kinase family such as JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2 by interfering in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. JAK Inhibitors are used for the treatment purpose in cancer and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Studies conducted by team of Professor Angela Christiano at Columbia University suggested that JAK Inhibitors are also beneficial for treatment of autoimmune dermatological disease like alopecia Areata, a condition in which body’s natural immune system starts attacking hair follicles that lead to loss of hair on scalp or on other parts of body. JAK Inhibitors target the enzymes that are found inside the hair follicles, and bring out the follicles from Telogen to Anagen phase and promote active and healthy hair growth.

Ruxolitinib (Jakafi) is under development by Incyte Corporation. The drug is already marketed for Myelofibrosis and PolycythaemiaVera by the brand name Jakafi in United States and Jakavi by Novartis outside United States.  Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) is under development by Pfizer, the drug is marketed for rheumatoid arthritis in US with brand name Xeljanz and is filed for the approval for same indication in EU. In March 2016, Aclaris officially announced the acquisition of JAK Inhibitor compound, Vixen that has been developed by Columbia University for Alopecia Areata, Androgenetic Alopecia and other dermatological conditions.

With the rapidly growing middle aged population, changing lifestyles, presence of pollutants and chemicals in air and water globally; it is quite evident that people suffer from hair loss related problems more frequently. This can lead to mega demand and supply ratio for the hair loss treatment and drugs, which can propel the market in all seven key regions of USA, Europe and Eastern Regions of globe.

Insight by:
Anurag Mathur
Associate Analyst
DelveInsight Business Research