NCT07733765 · Pfizer
A Study in Young People and Adults to Learn About the Medicine Ritlecitinib for Treatment of Patchy Hair Loss, Known by the Medical Term as Moderate Alopecia Areata
What this study is about
The purpose of this clinical study is to learn about the safety and effects of the study medicine (called ritlecitinib) for the potential treatment of moderate alopecia areata (AA). This study is seeking participants who are * 12 years or older (if permitted by the local IRB/EC and local regulatory health authority) * have AA with patchy hair loss.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this clinical study is to learn about the safety and effects of the study medicine (called ritlecitinib) for the potential treatment of moderate alopecia areata (AA). This study is seeking participants who are * 12 years or older (if permitted by the local IRB/EC and local regulatory health authority) * have AA with patchy hair loss. The current episode of hair loss has lasted for 6 months or longer but 10 years or less * do not have any other diseases or conditions affecting hair loss. Participants will have a 2 in 3 chance of receiving ritlecitinib 50 mg and a 1 in 3 chance of receiving placebo. The placebo looks like the study medicine but does not contain any active ingredients. Participants will not know what you have been assigned to receive. They will take ritlecitinib or placebo once daily by mouth at home for 24 weeks (6 months). After 24 weeks, the assigned treatment may stay the same or be changed to ritlecitinib 50 mg or 100 mg. This change will depend on how participants' alopecia areata responds to the treatment. Participants will receive the newly assigned treatment for another 23 weeks. About 4 weeks after the last dose, there will be a follow-up visit. At this visit, the team will check on your health. Participants will take part in this study for about 57 weeks. During this time, they will have study visits at the study clinic. Some study checks will be done by phone. We will compare the experiences of people receiving ritlecitinib to those of people who do not. This will help us determine if ritlecitinib is safe and effective.
Interventions
DRUG
Ritlecitinib 100 mg
100 mg capsule taken orally once daily
DRUG
Ritlecitinib 50 mg
50 mg capsule taken orally once daily
OTHER
Placebo
Capsule matching either 50mg or 100 mg ritlecitinib capsule taken orally once daily
Primary outcome measures
Difference in the proportion of Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) 0 responders at Week 24 between ritlecitinib 50 mg QD versus placebo
Time frame: Week 24
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18 years or older (or the minimum age of consent in accordance with local regulations) at screening. Adolescents (12 to \<18 years of age at screening) are also eligible for this study, but only if permitted by the local IRB/EC and local regulatory health authority (if applicable). Where these approvals have not been granted, only participants 18 years of age and older at screening will be enrolled
- Have a clinical diagnosis of AA with no other etiology of hair loss.
- Have \>20% to \<50% hair loss of the scalp, as measured by SALT.
- Current AA episode of hair loss ≥6 months and ≤10 years (Current episode is defined as the continuous period of AA-related scalp hair loss since the last time the subject had no visible scalp patches). Key
Exclusion criteria
- 1\. Diseases or conditions affecting hair loss, including:
- Other types of alopecia (including, but not limited to, traction and scarring alopecia, telogen effluvium). Participants with androgenetic alopecia will be excluded.
- Other scalp disease that may impact AA assessment (eg, scalp psoriasis, dermatitis, etc.).
- Active systemic diseases that may cause hair loss (eg, lupus erythematosus, thyroiditis, systemic sclerosis, lichen planus, etc).
Where
- Encinitas, California
- Miami, Florida
- Skokie, Illinois
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Troy, Michigan
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Bexley, Ohio
- Portland, Oregon
- Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
- Houston, Texas
And 2 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 24, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations