New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss in patches on the scalp or body. It affects about 2% of people at some point in their lives. Until recently, no FDA-approved treatments existed, but in 2022 the first systemic therapy was approved, and research has accelerated.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing JAK inhibitors—pills that block inflammation pathways driving hair loss—along with topical versions for milder disease. Researchers are studying biologic drugs that target specific immune signals, including IL-15 and IL-23 pathways. Studies are also exploring combination approaches and treatments for eyebrow and eyelash regrowth.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on how much scalp hair has been lost, how long the hair loss has lasted, and whether you've tried other treatments.

What types of trials are currently open

• Treatment trials — Testing new oral or topical medications to restore hair growth, usually comparing them to placebo or existing treatments.
• Dosing trials — Finding the right dose and schedule for drugs that have shown promise, balancing hair regrowth against side effects.
• Combination trials — Testing whether combining different approaches—such as a JAK inhibitor with a topical treatment—works better than either alone.
• Extension studies — Following people who completed earlier trials to see how long hair regrowth lasts and whether treatment remains safe over years.
• Natural history studies — Tracking people with alopecia areata over time to understand how the condition progresses and what predicts regrowth or worsening.