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NCT03570749: BRAVE-AA1

A Study of Baricitinib (LY3009104) in Participants With Severe or Very Severe Alopecia Areata

Completed Phase 2, PHASE3 Results posted Last updated 16 April 2026
What this trial tests

Phase 2, PHASE3 trial testing Baricitinib in Alopecia Areata in 784 participants. Completed in 29 January 2025.

Timeline
24 September 2018
Primary endpoint
2 February 2021
29 January 2025

Quick facts

Lead sponsorEli Lilly and Company
PhasePhase 2, PHASE3
StatusCompleted
Study typeINTERVENTIONAL
Allocationrandomized
Designparallel
Maskingdouble
Primary purposetreatment
Enrollment784
Start date24 September 2018
Primary completion2 February 2021
Estimated completion29 January 2025
Sites75 locations across Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States

Drugs / interventions tested

Conditions studied

Sponsor

Eli Lilly and Company — full company profile →

Who can join

Adults 18 to 70, any sex, with Alopecia Areata. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Results — posted to ClinicalTrials.gov

Per-arm endpoint measurements with 95% confidence intervals where reported. Source: trial results section.

Percentage of Participants Achieving Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) ≤ 20 - Phase 3 Primary · Week 36

The SALT uses a visual aid showing the division of the scalp hair into 4 areas with the top of the head constituting 40% of total surface, the posterior/back of head 24%, right side and left side of head 18% each. The percentage of hair loss in each area is determined and is multiplied by the percentage of scalp covered by that area. The total sum of the 4 products of each area will give the SALT score, as developed by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Working Committee. Only terminal hair is included in the SALT; vellus hair or any fine downy hair is not taken into account in the SALT s

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 35.32.9 – 9.5
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 321.716.4 – 28.2
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 335.229.9 – 41.0
Percent Change From Baseline in SALT Score - Phase 3 Open-Label Addendum Primary · Baseline, Week 52

The SALT uses a visual aid showing the division of the scalp hair into 4 areas with the top of the head constituting 40% of total surface, the posterior/back of head 24%, right side and left side of head 18% each. The percentage of hair loss in each area is determined and is multiplied by the percentage of scalp covered by that area. The total sum of the 4 products of each area will give the SALT score, as developed by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Working Committee. Only terminal hair is included in the SALT; vellus hair or any fine downy hair is not taken into account in the SALT s

GroupValue95% CI
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 3 Open-Label Addendum-40.44± 33.182
Percent Change From Baseline in SALT Score - Phase 3 Secondary · Baseline, Week 36

The SALT uses a visual aid showing the division of the scalp hair into 4 areas with the top of the head constituting 40% of total surface, the posterior/back of head 24%, right side and left side of head 18% each. The percentage of hair loss in each area is determined and is multiplied by the percentage of scalp covered by that area. The total sum of the 4 products of each area will give the SALT score, as developed by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Working Committee. Only terminal hair is included in the SALT; vellus hair or any fine downy hair is not taken into account in the SALT s

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 3-8.13± 3.100
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 3-31.23± 3.157
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 3-45.79± 2.663
Percentage of Participants Achieving 50% Improvement of SALT (SALT50) - Phase 3 Secondary · Week 12

SALT uses a visual aid showing the division of the scalp hair into 4 areas with the top of the head constituting 40% of total surface, the posterior/back of head 24%, right side and left side of head 18% each. The percentage of hair loss in each area is determined and is multiplied by the percentage of scalp covered by that area. The total sum of the 4 products of each area will give the SALT score, as developed by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Working Committee. Only terminal hair is included in the SALT; vellus hair or any fine downy hair is not taken into account in the SALT scori

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 34.82.5 – 8.8
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 39.86.3 – 14.9
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 321.717.3 – 26.9
Time for Participants to Achieve SALT ≤ 20 at Week 36 - Phase 3 Secondary · Week 36

The SALT uses a visual aid showing the division of the scalp hair into 4 areas with the top of the head constituting 40% of total surface, the posterior/back of head 24%, right side and left side of head 18% each. The percentage of hair loss in each area is determined and is multiplied by the percentage of scalp covered by that area. The total sum of the 4 products of each area will give the SALT score, as developed by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Working Committee. Only terminal hair is included in the SALT; vellus hair or any fine downy hair is not taken into account in the SALT s

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 3NANA – NA
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 3NANA – NA
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 3NANA – NA
Percentage of Participants Achieving Clinician Reported Outcome (ClinRO) Measure for Eyebrow (EB) Hair Loss 0 or 1 With ≥ 2-point Improvement From Baseline (Among Participants With ClinRO Measure for EB Hair Loss ≥ 2 at Baseline) - Phase 3 Secondary · Week 36

ClinRO is a clinician reported assessment which measures a participant's EB hair loss. It is comprised of 4 category response options: 0 = EB have full coverage and no areas of hair loss; 1 = There are minimal gaps in EB hair and distribution is even; 2 = There are significant gaps in EB hair or distribution is not even; 3 = No notable EB.

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 33.21.3 – 8.0
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 319.113.4 – 26.5
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 331.425.2 – 38.3
Percentage of Participants Achieving ClinRO Measure for Eyelash (EL) Hair Loss 0 or 1 With ≥ 2-point Improvement From Baseline (Among Participants With ClinRO Measure for EL Hair Loss ≥ 2 at Baseline) - Phase 3 Secondary · Week 36

ClinRO measure for EL hair loss is comprised of 4 category response options: 0 = The EL form a continuous line along the eyelids on both eyes; 1 = There are minimal gaps and the EL are evenly spaced along the eyelids on both eyes; 2 = There are significant gaps along the eyelids or the EL are not evenly spaced along the eyelids; 3 = No notable EL.

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 33.11.1 – 8.8
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 313.58.4 – 21.1
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 333.526.8 – 41.0
Percentage of Participants With Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) for Scalp Hair Assessment Score of 0 or 1 With a ≥ 2 Point Improvement From Baseline Among Participants With a Score of ≥ 3 at Baseline - Phase 3 Secondary · Week 36

PRO is an assessment of the participant's current extent of scalp involvement. It is comprised of 5 category response options: 0= No missing hair (0% of my scalp is missing hair; I have a full head of hair); 1 = A limited area (1% to 20% of my scalp is missing hair); 2 = A moderate area (21% to 49% of my scalp is missing hair); 3 = A large area (50% to 94% of my scalp is missing hair); and 4 = Nearly all or all (95% to 100% of my scalp is missing hair).

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 35.02.6 – 9.2
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 316.011.3 – 22.2
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 333.127.8 – 38.9
Percentage of Participants Achieving PRO Measure for EB 0 or 1 With ≥ 2-point Improvement From Baseline (Among Participants With PRO Measure for EB ≥ 2 at Baseline) - Phase 3 Secondary · Week 36

PRO is an assessment of the participant's current appearance of eyebrows. It is comprised of 4 category response options: 0 = I have full EB on each eye; 1= I have a minimal gap(s) or a minimal amount of thinning in at least 1 of my EB; 2 = I have a large gap(s) or a large amount of thinning in at least 1 of my EB; and 3 = I have no or barely any EB hairs.

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 33.11.2 – 7.6
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 316.311.1 – 23.3
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 332.125.7 – 39.1
Percentage of Participants Achieving PRO Measure for EL 0 or 1 With ≥ 2-point Improvement From Baseline (Among Participants With PRO Measure EL ≥2 at Baseline) - Phase 3 Secondary · Week 36

PRO assessment of the participant's current appearance of EL. It is comprised of 4 category response options: 0 = I have full EL on each eyelid; 1 = I have a minimal gap or minimal gaps along the eyelids; 2 = I have a large gap or large gaps along the eyelids; and 3 = I have no or barely any EL hair.

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 32.00.6 – 7.0
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 319.613.3 – 28.0
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 329.823.3 – 37.3
Mean Change From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) Anxiety Score - Phase 3 Secondary · Baseline, Week 36

The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) is a 14 item self-assessment scale that determines the levels of anxiety and depression that a patient is experiencing over the past week. The HADS utilizes a 4-point Likert scale (e.g., 0 to 3) for each question and is intended for ages 12 to 65 years. Scores for each domain (anxiety and depression) can range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety or depression. LS mean was calculated using an ANCOVA model which includes geographic region, duration of current episode at baseline (\<4 years vs. ≥4 years), treatment group and ba

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 3-0.40± 0.234
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 3-1.22± 0.236
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 3-0.93± 0.199
Mean Change From Baseline in HADS Depression Score - Phase 3 Secondary · Baseline, Week 36

The HADS is a 14 item self-assessment scale that determines the levels of anxiety and depression that a patient is experiencing over the past week. The HADS utilizes a 4-point Likert scale (e.g., 0 to 3) for each question and is intended for ages 12 to 65 years. Scores for each domain (anxiety and depression) can range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety or depression. LS mean was calculated using an ANCOVA model which includes geographic region, duration of current episode at baseline (\<4 years vs. ≥4 years), treatment group and baseline score as fixed factors.

GroupValue95% CI
Placebo Phase 30.04± 0.210
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 3-0.38± 0.213
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 3-0.28± 0.179

Adverse events — posted to ClinicalTrials.gov

Time frame: Phase 2: Baseline up to Week 204 ; Phase 3: Baseline up to Week 252 ; Phase 3 Open-Label addendum : Baseline up to Week 56. (AE Description: As pre-specified in the SAP, AE were assessed using the "safety population". Given the sequential dose change within the Phase 2 Baricitinib 1 mg/4 mg Arm, it was not appropriate to attribute AEs to a single fixed dose, and therefore AEs were not collected separately. Also AE data were not collected separately for the Phase 3 Period 2 Arms.). Reporting threshold: 5%. Adverse-event reports describe events observed during the trial — not all are caused by the drug.

Placebo Phase 2
Serious: 0/28 (0%)
Deaths: 0/28
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 2
Serious: 0/27 (0%)
Deaths: 0/27
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 2
Serious: 2/27 (7%)
Deaths: 0/27
All Baricitinib Phase 2 (Combined Baricitinib: 1 mg/4 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg)
Serious: 3/106 (3%)
Deaths: 0/106
Placebo Phase 3
Serious: 3/189 (2%)
Deaths: 0/189
2 mg Baricitinib Phase 3
Serious: 7/183 (4%)
Deaths: 0/183
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 3
Serious: 16/280 (6%)
Deaths: 0/280
All Baricitinib Phase 3 (Combined Baricitinib: 2 mg and 4 mg)
Serious: 40/619 (6%)
Deaths: 0/619
4 mg Baricitinib Phase 3 Open-Label Addendum
Serious: 1/19 (5%)
Deaths: 0/19

Serious adverse events (48 terms)

ReactionSystemPlacebo Phase 22 mg Baricitinib Phase 24 mg Baricitinib Phase 2All Baricitinib Phase 2 (C…Placebo Phase 32 mg Baricitinib Phase 34 mg Baricitinib Phase 3All Baricitinib Phase 3 (C…4 mg Baricitinib Phase 3 O…
Hepatitis acuteHepatobiliary disorders
Covid-19Infections and infestations
Ankle fractureInjury, poisoning and procedural complications
Craniofacial fractureInjury, poisoning and procedural complications
Foot fractureInjury, poisoning and procedural complications
Hand fractureInjury, poisoning and procedural complications
Ligament sprainInjury, poisoning and procedural complications
Pulmonary embolismRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
AnaemiaBlood and lymphatic system disorders
Acute myocardial infarctionCardiac disorders
Atrial fibrillationCardiac disorders
Cardiac failure congestiveCardiac disorders
Ventricular tachycardiaCardiac disorders
Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretionEndocrine disorders
ColitisGastrointestinal disorders
Food poisoningGastrointestinal disorders
Gastric stenosisGastrointestinal disorders
Obstruction gastricGastrointestinal disorders
Peptic ulcer haemorrhageGastrointestinal disorders
AstheniaGeneral disorders
Chest painGeneral disorders
CystGeneral disorders
Drug withdrawal syndromeGeneral disorders
Covid-19 pneumoniaInfections and infestations
Lyme diseaseInfections and infestations
Other adverse events (42 terms — click to expand)

ReactionSystemPlacebo Phase 22 mg Baricitinib Phase 24 mg Baricitinib Phase 2All Baricitinib Phase 2 (C…Placebo Phase 32 mg Baricitinib Phase 34 mg Baricitinib Phase 3All Baricitinib Phase 3 (C…4 mg Baricitinib Phase 3 O…
Covid-19Infections and infestations
Upper respiratory tract infectionInfections and infestations
AcneSkin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
NasopharyngitisInfections and infestations
Blood creatine phosphokinase increasedInvestigations
HeadacheNervous system disorders
Urinary tract infectionInfections and infestations
InfluenzaInfections and infestations
Dermatitis contactSkin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
NauseaGastrointestinal disorders
Herpes zosterInfections and infestations
NeutropeniaBlood and lymphatic system disorders
Oral herpesInfections and infestations
SinusitisInfections and infestations
ArthralgiaMusculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
DepressionPsychiatric disorders
AnxietyPsychiatric disorders
Back painMusculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
UrticariaSkin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
BronchitisInfections and infestations
HypercholesterolaemiaMetabolism and nutrition disorders
RashSkin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Vulvovaginal mycotic infectionInfections and infestations
EndometriosisReproductive system and breast disorders
VertigoEar and labyrinth disorders
Abdominal discomfortGastrointestinal disorders
HaematemesisGastrointestinal disorders
Chest discomfortGeneral disorders
Non-cardiac chest painGeneral disorders
Acute sinusitisInfections and infestations
Otitis media acuteInfections and infestations
ParonychiaInfections and infestations
Pharyngitis streptococcalInfections and infestations
Ankle fractureInjury, poisoning and procedural complications
Pain in extremityMusculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
NephrolithiasisRenal and urinary disorders
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndromeRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Oropharyngeal painRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Upper-airway cough syndromeRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
BlisterSkin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Most-reported serious reactions: Hepatitis acute, Covid-19, Ankle fracture, Craniofacial fracture, Foot fracture, Hand fracture, Ligament sprain, Pulmonary embolism.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03570749 adverse events section.

Sponsor's own description

This study is designed to select up to two doses of baricitinib (referred to as low dose and high dose) and assess their efficacy and safety for the treatment of severe or very severe alopecia areata. An additional subpopulation of 60 participants in the US will enroll in the open-label addenda.

Publications & conference data

8 peer-reviewed publications reference this trial (live from Europe PMC):

  1. Two Phase 3 Trials of Baricitinib for Alopecia Areata.
    King B, Ohyama M, Kwon O, Zlotogorski A, et al · · 2022 · cited 340× · PMID 35334197 · DOI 10.1056/nejmoa2110343
  2. Emerging Topical and Systemic JAK Inhibitors in Dermatology.
    Solimani F, Meier K, Ghoreschi K. · · 2019 · cited 199× · PMID 31849996 · DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02847
  3. JAK/STAT pathway: Extracellular signals, diseases, immunity, and therapeutic regimens.
    Hu Q, Bian Q, Rong D, Wang L, et al · · 2023 · cited 190× · PMID 36911202 · DOI 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1110765
  4. Targeting the Janus Kinase Family in Autoimmune Skin Diseases.
    Howell MD, Kuo FI, Smith PA. · · 2019 · cited 180× · PMID 31649667 · DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02342
  5. Tyrosine Kinases in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Skin Diseases.
    Szilveszter KP, Németh T, Mócsai A. · · 2019 · cited 102× · PMID 31447854 · DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01862
  6. An overview of JAK/STAT pathways and JAK inhibition in alopecia areata.
    Lensing M, Jabbari A. · · 2022 · cited 100× · PMID 36110853 · DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2022.955035
  7. JAK-STAT signaling in human disease: From genetic syndromes to clinical inhibition.
    Luo Y, Alexander M, Gadina M, O'Shea JJ, et al · · 2021 · cited 92× · PMID 34625141 · DOI 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.08.004
  8. Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib in Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata over 52 Weeks of Continuous Therapy in Two Phase III Trials (BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2).
    Kwon O, Senna MM, Sinclair R, Ito T, et al · · 2023 · cited 76× · PMID 36855020 · DOI 10.1007/s40257-023-00764-w

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Data sources for this page

Drug Landscape aggregates and links these public records for informational use only. Always verify against the primary source before clinical or regulatory decisions. Canonical URL: https://druglandscape.com/trial/NCT03570749.

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing