FDA Approves LITFULO™ (Ritlecitinib) for Adults and Children ages 12+ with Severe Alopecia Areata

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved LITFULO™ for severe alopecia areata, marking the second FDA-approved treatment for this disease, and the first approved for children ages 12 and up. “The National Alopecia Areata Foundation is thrilled to have a second FDA-approved treatment for alopecia areata, which is also the first approved for adolescents. We continue to see the tangible results of our Treatment Development Program’s early efforts to lay the scientific groundwork for these advances,” said Nicole Friedland, President and CEO of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). “We remain committed to supporting more breakthroughs and empowering our community with more choices.”

LITFULO™ (ritlecitinib) belongs to a class of medications known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. LITFULO™, from manufacturer Pfizer Inc., is available by prescription only.

NAAF encourages research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, supports those with the disease, and educates the public about alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease affecting nearly 7 million Americans that results in total or partial loss of scalp and body hair. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in San Rafael, CA, NAAF is widely regarded as the largest alopecia areata advocacy organization in the US.

NAAF connects with the alopecia areata community, which includes patients, family members, healthcare providers, and researchers, through its support programs, email newsletters, website, research summits, and an annual patient conference. NAAF is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit and a Candid Platinum-Rated charity. It meets the rigorous standards of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and the National Health Council.

Read Pfizer’s press release here.