Alopecia is a common chronic condition that has a significant medical and social impact, including on the psychological comfort and quality of life of patients. The most common forms are androgenetic and alopecia areata. Treatment includes both drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and cosmetics without regulatory approval. Despite progress in pharmacotherapy, the problem of complete and stable hair restoration remains relevant. The aim is to comprehensively analyze modern drugs for the treatment of alopecia used in the US, taking into account their clinical and pharmacological efficacy, safety, economic availability, regulatory status and market development prospects. An analytical review was conducted using FDA data, scientific publications, official sources of manufacturers, price aggregators (GoodRx, Drugs.com). The objects of analysis were six FDA-approved drugs (minoxidil, finasteride, triamcinolone, clobetasol, baricitinib, ritlecitinib) and one cosmetic product without FDA approval (HydraFacial Keravive Peptide Complex). Clinical-pharmacological, documentary, regulatory, comparative, marketing and SWOT analysis of market trends were applied. It was found that minoxidil and finasteride remain the most affordable and have a significant evidence base of effectiveness. JAK inhibitors (baricitinib, rituximab) demonstrate high clinical results in patients with alopecia areata. However, their cost significantly exceeds the average level of financial capabilities of most patients. Corticosteroids (triamcinolone, clobetasol) retain an important role in the treatment of inflammatory forms of alopecia. Cosmetic products, in particular Keravive Serum, are used as additional methods to improve the condition of the scalp and stimulate hair growth. SWOT analysis revealed the market strengths (availability of drugs with proven efficacy), weaknesses (high cost of innovative drugs), opportunities (development of combination therapy, telemedicine and telepharmacy) and threats (regulatory restrictions, economic barriers to accessibility). The market for alopecia treatment in the US is characterized by a combination of traditional and innovative products. The most promising areas of development are the introduction of innovative drugs (in particular, JAK inhibitors), combined treatment regimens, as well as expanding access to therapy using telemedicine, telepharmacy and online pharmacies. To increase the effectiveness of treatment, individualization of therapeutic strategies is necessary, taking into account the clinical form of alopecia, the patient's financial capabilities and the prognosis for response to treatment.
Khrystyna Malaniuk (Wed,) studied this question.