Prnewswire·2026-02-27 13:11Core Viewpoint - Eli Lilly's Olumiant (baricitinib) has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's CHMP for expanded use in adolescents aged 12 to under 18 with severe alopecia areata, based on promising data from the Phase 3 BRAVE-AA-PEDS study [1][2]. Group 1: Clinical Study Results - The Phase 3 BRAVE-AA-PEDS study showed that 42.4% of adolescents treated with Olumiant achieved 80% or more scalp hair coverage at 36 weeks, compared to 4.5% in the placebo group [1]. - Near-complete scalp hair coverage (90%) was achieved by 36.5% of patients on Olumiant, while only 2.3% of those on placebo reached this level [1]. - Significant eyebrow regrowth was observed in 50% of patients on Olumiant, compared to 0% in the placebo group [1]. - Eyelash regrowth was reported in 42.9% of patients treated with Olumiant, versus 14.0% in the placebo group [1]. Group 2: Regulatory and Market Implications - The positive CHMP opinion is a step towards European regulatory approval, with a decision from the European Commission expected in the next one to two months [1]. - Lilly has also submitted Olumiant for approval in the U.S. for treating severe alopecia areata in adolescents, with a decision anticipated in the second half of 2026 [1][2]. - Olumiant is already approved for adult patients with severe alopecia areata in the U.S. and Europe, marking it as the first JAK inhibitor approved for this indication [1][2]. Group 3: Safety and Efficacy Profile - The safety profile of Olumiant in adolescents aligns with previous clinical trials for other conditions, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and atopic dermatitis [1]. - Over 14,600 patients have participated in clinical trials involving Olumiant, with more than 1,200 being children and adolescents [1]. - The ongoing BRAVE-AA-PEDS trial includes a cohort of children aged 6 to under 12 years, further expanding the understanding of Olumiant's safety and efficacy in younger populations [1].