Cancer drugs Xeljanz, JAK inhibitors as cure for baldness: study

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There is new hope for people suffering from baldness. Researchers from the Columbia University Medical Center recently discovered that impeding the Janus Kinase or JAK line of enzymes can help encourage the growth of new hair.

Alopecia areata is a rare type of hair loss, occurring in only 5 percent of the population says the American Academy of Dermatology. It occurs when the body's immune system erroneously attacks hair follicles, resulting in bald patches.

A report by NY City Today states that more than half of men over the age of 50 suffer from some form of hair loss.

While looking for treatment for alopecia areata, the researchers discovered that two JAK inhibitors stopped this autoimmune reaction, allowing hair to grow. The researchers used mice to test their theories, says Science World Report.

In the study, one of two JAK inhibitors was topically applied on the subject mice for a period of five days. The results showed a thick growth of hair within 10 days of using the drugs.

Lead researcher Angela Christiano told NBC News, "The hair that came in came in beautifully and in a few weeks and very thickly."

According to the lead researcher, there are only a handful of compounds that can encourage the growth of hair so quickly. In most cases, topical application produced small tufts of hair in selected areas after several weeks of use.

The hair strands produced during the studies were also found to be longer than follicles grown in culture or on skin grafts says Science World.

"It's actually promoting the resting state of the hair follicle. The inhibitors ... allow the hair to enter the hair cycle," she added during the interview with NBC News.

The Science World Report states there are several JAK inhibitors that already have FDA approval. This includes ruxolitinib and tofacitinib, sold in brand names as Jakafi and Xeljanz.

Ruxolitinib is designed to treat certain forms of blood diseases while tofacinib is for treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, says Science World Report.

Christiano says to NBC News that because they prevent the immune system from working properly, patients are more susceptible to infections. Using these drugs may be dangerous, especially if they are used to correct an aesthetic issue such as alopecia areata.

Topically applying the drugs is safer and more effective, she adds.

The news report states that Columbia University has already filed patents in relation to the group's discoveries.