JAK Inhibitors in Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A 15,427-Patient Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Trial and Real-World Outcomes
Abstract
Background: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a new class of medications that are changing how we treat inflammatory skin diseases. Even though these drugs are increasingly being approved for various skin conditions, there is still limited detailed comparison of their effectiveness, safety, and long-term effects across different diseases.
Objective: In this study, we systematically evaluated the use of JAK inhibitors in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, and hidradenitis suppurativa across both trial and real-world settings.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and searched major databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), open-label extensions, and real-world cohort studies published through May 2025. The main effectiveness outcomes included disease-specific measures: Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) for atopic dermatitis, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) for psoriasis, Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) for alopecia areata, Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) for vitiligo, and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) for hidradenitis suppurativa. Safety outcomes included rates of adverse events, infections, thromboembolism, and cancer. Patient-centered outcomes included quality of life (DLQI) and pruritus reduction. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 (RoB 2).
Results: We included 68 studies (42 RCTs, 14 open-label extensions, and 12 real-world cohorts)…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 15,427 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Comparative effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists on glycaemic control, body weight, and lipid profile for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and network meta-analysis
- Adverse effects of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors on renal and arrhythmia events: meta-analysis of randomized trials
- Benefits and harms of drug treatment for type 2 diabetes: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- Comparative effectiveness and safety of statins as a class and of specific statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and network meta‐analysis of randomized trials with 94,283 participants
- Screen time increases overweight and obesity risk among adolescents: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
- Exposure to WHO AWaRe antibiotics and isolation of multi-drug resistant bacteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.