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Drug Monograph: LITFULO (Ritlecitinib)
Author (Student name)
Affiliation/school
, 2
Drug Monograph: LITFULO (Ritlecitinib)
Introduction to the drug
Overview of indication
Alopecia areata, or patchy hair loss, is a condition characterized by hair falling out,
starting with one or several circular bald patches occurring distinctly or overlapping. The
condition is associated with problems with the immune system, which attacks hair follicles and
may also be intensified by facing severe stress. Other causes of the condition include hormonal
changes, heredity, and some medical conditions (e.g. psoriasis and thyroid diseases) and
sometimes occurs as a normal part of aging. The estimated prevalence of the condition is 1 in
1000 persons, and the lifetime risk of incidence is approximated at 2 percent. 4 The condition can
be diagnosed in people aged 40+, with diagnoses at earlier ages commonly associated with
disease. The Mayo Clinic4 estimates that that 7 million people living in the United States have
alopecia areata, with about 20% of cases involving children.
Currently available treatments
The main clinical goal of treatment of this condition is to regrow hair in the bald areas.
This serves to help the victim regain some level of self-esteem, especially for women who attach
some ornamental value on hair. Treatment may also seek to address the underlying conditions
responsible for the onset, sustenance and worsening of the condition.
According to the Mayo Clinic4 Alopecia Areata cannot be comprehensively cured.
Treatment models, therefore, seek to manage the condition by assisting in regrowth of lost hair.
One of the drugs commonly used for this condition is Ritlecitinib. Other drugs used in the
management of the condition include: olumiant (baricitinib), corticosteroids (Prednisone,
Hydrocortisone and Cortisone) used to avert inflammations, Minoxidil (Rogaine), spironolactone
and Platelet-Rich Plasma.4
Basic drug characteristics
Drug Monograph: LITFULO (Ritlecitinib)
Author (Student name)
Affiliation/school
, 2
Drug Monograph: LITFULO (Ritlecitinib)
Introduction to the drug
Overview of indication
Alopecia areata, or patchy hair loss, is a condition characterized by hair falling out,
starting with one or several circular bald patches occurring distinctly or overlapping. The
condition is associated with problems with the immune system, which attacks hair follicles and
may also be intensified by facing severe stress. Other causes of the condition include hormonal
changes, heredity, and some medical conditions (e.g. psoriasis and thyroid diseases) and
sometimes occurs as a normal part of aging. The estimated prevalence of the condition is 1 in
1000 persons, and the lifetime risk of incidence is approximated at 2 percent. 4 The condition can
be diagnosed in people aged 40+, with diagnoses at earlier ages commonly associated with
disease. The Mayo Clinic4 estimates that that 7 million people living in the United States have
alopecia areata, with about 20% of cases involving children.
Currently available treatments
The main clinical goal of treatment of this condition is to regrow hair in the bald areas.
This serves to help the victim regain some level of self-esteem, especially for women who attach
some ornamental value on hair. Treatment may also seek to address the underlying conditions
responsible for the onset, sustenance and worsening of the condition.
According to the Mayo Clinic4 Alopecia Areata cannot be comprehensively cured.
Treatment models, therefore, seek to manage the condition by assisting in regrowth of lost hair.
One of the drugs commonly used for this condition is Ritlecitinib. Other drugs used in the
management of the condition include: olumiant (baricitinib), corticosteroids (Prednisone,
Hydrocortisone and Cortisone) used to avert inflammations, Minoxidil (Rogaine), spironolactone
and Platelet-Rich Plasma.4
Basic drug characteristics
