Pooled data from the phase 3 THRIVE-AA1 and THRIVE-AA2 trials presented at the 2025 DERM NP/PA CME Conference suggest that the oral JAK1/2 inhibitor deuruxolitinib improves mental-health outcomes for adults (18–65 years) with severe alopecia areata. Participants had ≥50% scalp hair loss with current episodes lasting 6 months to 10 years and were randomized to deuruxolitinib 8 mg BID, 12 mg BID, or placebo for 24 weeks. While the primary endpoint in the trials was scalp hair regrowth (Severity of Alopecia Tool ≤20 at Week 24), the trials focused on changes in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores, analyzed post hoc using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test (stratified by baseline hair-loss severity and study) without imputation. Additional endpoints included hair satisfaction patient reported outcome and safety assessments.
Deuruxolitinib 8 mg BID was associated with greater mean reductions in total HADS, HADS-anxiety, and HADS-depression scores versus placebo by Week 24. Notably, 22.5% of patients on 8 mg BID achieved a ≥6-point decrease in total HADS from baseline, compared with 11.8% on placebo (P=0.0003). Significantly more patients on active therapy also met thresholds of ≥4-point anxiety improvement and ≥3-point depression improvement. Overall, a significantly larger proportion of patients treated with deuruxolitinib achieved clinically meaningful HADS improvements, suggesting potential benefits for anxiety, depression, and quality of life alongside previously reported hair-regrowth efficacy.
Reference: Smith T. Adults with Severe Alopecia Improve Anxiety, Depression with Deuruxolitinib Use. HCPLive. Published July 31, 2025. Accessed August 28, 2025. https://www.hcplive.com/view/adults-severe-alopecia-improve-anxiety-depression-deuruxolitinib-use
Link: https://www.hcplive.com/view/adults-severe-alopecia-improve-anxiety-depression-deuruxolitinib-use
