CTP-543 (Deuruxolitinib): The Alopecia Areata Drug, Updated
CTP-543, now known by its drug name deuruxolitinib, made headlines in 2022 when trial participants with severe alopecia areata regrew significant hair. The story has since moved on in the best possible way: the drug completed its trials and was approved by the US FDA in July 2024 (brand name Leqselvi) for severe alopecia areata in adults. It is not a "cure", and it is a prescription medicine with real considerations, but it is part of a genuinely new generation of alopecia treatments. Here is the updated picture.
Key takeaways
- CTP-543 is now deuruxolitinib, a twice-daily oral JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor.
- It was FDA-approved in July 2024 for severe alopecia areata in adults.
- In Phase 3 trials, a significant share of patients achieved 80%+ scalp coverage.
- It is a treatment, not a cure, hair can shed again if treatment stops.
- Availability and funding vary by country; in the UK, ask a dermatologist about current JAK-inhibitor options.
What is CTP-543 / deuruxolitinib?
Deuruxolitinib is an oral selective inhibitor of Janus kinases JAK1 and JAK2, enzymes involved in the immune signalling that, in alopecia areata, drives the immune system to attack hair follicles. By damping that signalling, the drug allows follicles, which are usually damaged rather than destroyed, to recover and regrow hair. The FDA granted it Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations during development, a signal of how meaningful the early results were.
What did the trials show?
In its Phase 3 programme (the THRIVE-AA trials, enrolling hundreds of adults with moderate-to-severe alopecia areata), significantly more participants on deuruxolitinib achieved substantial scalp hair regrowth than on placebo, with responses visible in some patients from as early as eight weeks and a meaningful proportion reaching 80% or more scalp coverage by week 24. Both trial doses beat placebo convincingly, which carried the drug through to approval.
Where is it now?
| Milestone | Status |
|---|---|
| Phase 3 trials | Completed successfully (THRIVE-AA1 and AA2) |
| US approval | FDA approved July 2024 as Leqselvi (severe alopecia areata, adults) |
| Not the only one | Joins other approved JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata: baricitinib (Olumiant) and ritlecitinib (Litfulo) |
| UK access | JAK-inhibitor availability and NHS funding vary, ritlecitinib is licensed in Great Britain; ask a dermatologist about current options |
Is it a cure?
No, and this matters. JAK inhibitors treat alopecia areata while they are taken; if treatment stops, hair can shed again. They also carry side-effect considerations, as all immune-modulating medicines do, which is why they are prescribed for severe disease and monitored by dermatologists. For the right patient, though, the results can be genuinely life-changing, and the fact that severe alopecia areata now has several licensed treatment options is a landmark after decades with none.
What should you do if you have alopecia areata?
Speak to your GP and ask about a dermatology referral, particularly if your alopecia is extensive. A dermatologist can assess whether a JAK inhibitor or another treatment fits your case, and organisations like Alopecia UK are excellent for support and up-to-date treatment news. For the condition basics, see our guide to what alopecia areata is.
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Frequently asked questions
Was CTP-543 approved?
Yes. CTP-543 became deuruxolitinib and was approved by the US FDA in July 2024 under the brand name Leqselvi for severe alopecia areata in adults.
Is deuruxolitinib a cure for alopecia areata?
No. It is an effective treatment for many people while taken, but hair can shed again if treatment stops.
How does it work?
It blocks JAK1/JAK2 immune signalling, calming the autoimmune attack on hair follicles so they can regrow hair.
Can I get it in the UK?
Availability and funding differ from the US. Other JAK inhibitors, such as ritlecitinib, are licensed in Great Britain, a dermatologist can advise on current options and eligibility.
Are JAK inhibitors safe?
They are prescription immune-modulating medicines with real side-effect considerations, suitable for some patients and not others, exactly why a dermatologist's assessment is essential.
Does anything over the counter do the same thing?
No. No shampoo, supplement or cosmetic product acts like a JAK inhibitor or treats alopecia areata, be wary of anything claiming to.
What began as trial code CTP-543 is now an approved treatment, and part of a wave of real medical progress for alopecia areata. If it could be relevant to you, take the conversation to a dermatologist. For background, read our guides to alopecia areata and JAK inhibitors for hair loss.
