New clinical trial data from August 2026 confirms the effectiveness of upadacitinib for patients with severe alopecia areata. Researchers conducted two phase 3 trials, UP-AA1 and UP-AA2, across 53 countries to measure the impact of the oral medication on scalp hair regrowth. The study included nearly 1,400 participants between the ages of 12 and 64, comparing two different daily doses against a placebo.
The results show that both the 15 mg and 30 mg doses performed significantly better than the placebo. By week 24, a large percentage of patients receiving the treatment reached a Severity of Alopecia Tool score of 20 or less, indicating 80 percent or more scalp hair coverage. Participants also reported notable improvements in quality of life metrics, alongside better regrowth for eyebrows and eyelashes.
While the trial demonstrated clear success in hair restoration, some side effects were reported. The most frequent events included upper respiratory tract infections, acne, and elevated blood creatine phosphokinase. Serious adverse events remained low across all groups. This data points to a potential new therapeutic path for those dealing with severe hair loss conditions.
The study was led by Dr. Arash Mostaghimi of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and published in the journal JAMA Dermatology. AbbVie funded the research, and the findings have moved the conversation forward regarding JAK inhibitor use for autoimmune-related hair loss.