ORLANDO – Janus kinase inhibitors are “currently the most promising treatments” for alopecia areata, but they are expensive, are not approved for this indication, and so getting insurance coverage for these treatments can be difficult, Carolyn Goh, MD, said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
In a video interview at the meeting, Dr. Goh of the department of dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles, shares the latest treatment algorithms that include these novel therapies, and thoughts on how to work with patients to increase their likelihood of getting insurance coverage for these treatments. Referring to the Janus kinase inhibitors, also known as JAK inhibitors, she said, “I think they would be very helpful for all patients with alopecia areata, but really given their side effect profile and risks involved, they should be reserved for more extensive disease.”
In the interview, Dr. Goh also discusses screening for thyroid disease in this patient population.
She had no disclosures.
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