Letter to the editor: A review of JAK inhibitors for treatment of alopecia areata in the Military Healthcare System

Abstract: Regarding the review article titled “A Review of JAK Inhibitors for Treatment of Alopecia Areata in the Military Healthcare System” by Christian Song, Dr. Christopher Riley, Dr. Bart Wilkison, and Dr. Sunghun Cho published in Military Medicine, we, as the authors, would like to offer additional context regarding the creation of the manuscript. As discussed in the review article, alopecia areata (AA) is a disease that causes not only disfigurement, but is also strongly associated with decreased quality of life, psychiatric conditions, and functional impairment. Those receiving care in the military health care system (MHS) are currently unable to use baricitinib and ritlecitinib, two Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, for treatment of severe refractory AA. Current regulations prevent treatment for the purpose of hair regrowth; TRICARE Policy Manual 6010.60 metre Chapter 4, Section 1.0 restricts [treatment that is] primarily to improve the physical appearance of a beneficiary, and/or which is performed primarily for psychological purposes, and/or which restores form, but does not correct or materially improve a bodily function.

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