Good news · Health & science · 24 October 2026
MHRA approves deuruxolitinib for severe alopecia areata
The MHRA has approved deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi) for treating severe alopecia areata in adults. The decision follows two pivotal clinical trials involving 1209 participants. The medicine is available only by prescription.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has approved deuruxolitinib, marketed as Leqselvi, for the treatment of severe alopecia areata in adults. Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access, said: "This approval gives adults with alopecia areata another potential treatment option to help manage their condition."
The approval was granted to Sun Pharma UK Limited on 10 March 2026 via the International Recognition Procedure. Figures published with the announcement show that the decision was based on two pivotal clinical trials involving 1209 adult patients. In these trials, patients received the medicine twice daily for 24 weeks. Around 30% of subjects achieved 80% or more scalp hair regrowth after this period, while 23% experienced 90% or more scalp hair regrowth.
The medicine works by reducing the activity of specific enzymes involved in inflammation at the hair follicle. It is available strictly via prescription. The dosage schedule involves an 8 mg tablet taken twice a day. Headache and acne are listed as the most common side effects, potentially affecting more than 1 in 10 people.
The approval applies specifically to adults with severe alopecia areata. Patient inclusion in the trials required a minimum of 50% hair loss lasting for more than 6 months. The agency stated it will keep the safety and effectiveness of the medicine under close review.
Written by StreetOwl from MHRA’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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