AbbVie announced positive topline results from study 2 of its Phase 3 UP-AA program evaluating upadacitinib in adult and adolescent patients with severe alopecia areata (AA). The average baseline SALT score was 83.8, indicating about 16% scalp hair coverage.

“AA is a systemic immune-mediated disease that can lead to total hair loss. These results, including achieving SALT=0, reflect our commitment to advancing treatments that could improve quality of life,” said Kori Wallace, M.D., Ph.D., VP, Global Head of Immunology Clinical Development at AbbVie.

“The unpredictable hair loss from AA impacts self-esteem and mental health,” said Arash Mostaghimi, M.D., M.P.A., M.P.H., Associate Professor at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. “These results show promising potential for upadacitinib.”

Upadacitinib is not approved for alopecia areata. Its safety and efficacy in this indication have not been reviewed by regulatory authorities.