Emerging Role of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Treating Granuloma Annulare: A Clinical, Narrative Review of Efficacy and Safety

Abstract

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a non-infectious, granulomatous skin disease with an unknown pathoetiology whose treatment remains challenging. In recent decades, the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, including GA. This pathway involves T-helpers and macrophages, launching a cytokine cascade that plays a crucial role in the disease pathology. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors can prevent cytokine involvement. To date, limited clinical data has been reported about the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors on granulomatous diseases. This review aims to examine studies that have reported off-label use of different JAK inhibitors in treating GA, focusing on their effectiveness and safety. Since there is no definitive treatment for GA, evaluating the role of JAK inhibitors could help establish a consensus on their future use in this type of medication.