NHS to Offer First-Ever Alopecia Treatment After NICE Approval

Up to 14,000 people in England could benefit from the newly approved ritlecitinib, marking a significant advancement in alopecia areata care.

NICE recommends ritlecitinib, a treatment for severe alopecia areata, for NHS use, potentially benefiting up to 14,000 people in England.
The decision comes after a reversal of NICE's initial rejection last year, following a public consultation and a price discount from Pfizer.
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing hair loss, significantly impacts sufferers' health and quality of life.
Alopecia UK hails the decision as a 'monumental day,' addressing the long-standing lack of licensed treatments available via NHS pathways.
Patients still face barriers to treatment, including difficulty obtaining dermatology referrals and long waiting times.