AbbVie’s Rinvoq Shows Strong Phase III Results in Alopecia Areata, Poised to Outperform Rivals

AbbVie has announced positive Phase III results for its JAK inhibitor Rinvoq (upadacitinib) in alopecia areata, positioning it as a potential market leader if approved. In Study 1 of the UP-AA programme, 45.2% of patients on 15mg and 55% on 30mg achieved ≥80% scalp hair coverage after 24 weeks, measured by SALT scores. Notably, 45.8% of patients on 30mg reached ≥90% coverage, with some regaining full scalp, eyebrow, and eyelash growth.

The safety profile was generally manageable, with treatment discontinuation due to adverse events in 1.1% (15mg) and 1.5% (30mg) of patients. These results reinforce findings from Study 2, where 44.6% (15mg) and 54.3% (30mg) of participants achieved ≥80% coverage.

If approved, Rinvoq could outperform Eli Lilly’s Olumiant, which delivered comparable results in only 32–35% of patients in its pivotal trials. Despite FDA and EMA restrictions on JAK inhibitors, Rinvoq’s efficacy profile and AbbVie’s commercial strength suggest strong market uptake.

22-08-2025