On October 19, China's State Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer's Class 1 innovative drug Ritlecitinib Tosylate Capsules (also known as LITFULO®) for marketing in adolescents and adults 12 years of age and older with severe hair loss.

01、What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata, is a common autoimmune disease characterized by sudden round or oval hair loss. This disease does not only affect the scalp but can also affect the eyebrows, eyelashes and other parts of the body. The pathogenesis of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but it is generally believed to be related to the immune system mistakenly attacking cells in the hair follicle. Alopecia areata patients not only face appearance problems, but they can also suffer from enormous psychological pressure and social adjustment problems.

 

02、LITFULO® alternative for innovative treatment?

 

LITFULO® (generic name: ritexitinib tosylate capsules) is an innovative drug developed by Pfizer and approved by the National Medicines Agency of China (NMPA) for the treatment of severe baldness in adolescents aged 12 years and older. As the world's first and only innovative drug approved for the treatment of severe baldness in adolescents and adults, LITFULO® brings patients a new treatment option.

 

03、Significant effectiveness of LITFULO® treatment?

LITFULO® promotes hair regeneration by inhibiting the JAK3 and TEC kinase families, which reduces the immune system's attack on hair follicles. Clinical studies have shown that LITFULO® can effectively reduce scalp hair loss and improve hair growth. After 24 weeks of treatment, approximately 23.0% of patients can achieve 80% or more scalp hair regeneration, which is significantly more than traditional treatment methods.

 

04、People who are suitable for LITFULO®?

 

LITFULO® is suitable for adolescents and adults aged 12 years and older with severe hair loss, especially those who have a poor response or intolerance to traditional treatment methods. In addition, Lefenox is also the only drug approved in China for the treatment of adolescent hair loss areata, which fills a gap in the earlier treatment field.

05、LITFULO® instructions for use?

The dose of LITFULO® is 50 mg orally once a day with or without food. Capsules should be swallowed whole, and crushing, cutting or chewing them is not recommended. Before starting treatment, patients are recommended to undergo health examinations such as viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and routine check-ups to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

 

06、Risk management using LITFULO®?

 

LITFULO® showed a good safety profile in clinical trials. However, like all medicines, LITFULO® also causes some side effects, such as headache, diarrhea, acne, rash, etc. Therefore, patients should follow their doctor's advice when using LITFULO® and undergo regular physical examinations to monitor possible side effects.

The market approval of LITFULO® brings new hope to patients with hair loss. This innovative drug not only offers an effective treatment option, but can also improve patients' quality of life and help them regain their confidence. With the accumulation of increased clinical data and long-term observational results, we expect LITFULO® to play a greater role in the treatment of alopecia areata and bring more good news for patients. brings new hope for recovery to youth and 12-year-olds and older with severe hair loss.