Androgenetic Alopecia Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Androgenetic Alopecia Clinical Trials?

Androgenetic alopecia is one of the many hair loss conditions commonly occurring in women and men. It is widely known as female or male pattern baldness. The condition is patterned, progressive, and genetic. Men suffering from Androgenetic alopecia begin to lose hair in their 20s, and women notice a significant loss of hair in their 40s and 50s.

The condition in men is characterized by thinning of hair in their temporal areas. However, it gradually progresses to the vertex (crown area). In women, the hair loss pattern is different. The hair becomes thinner all over the head, but the hairline doesn’t recede.

Androgenetic alopecia clinical trials focus on finding the causes of the condition and effective ways to treat it in both men and women.

Why Is Androgenetic Alopecia Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

Among the many reasons for ongoing Androgenetic alopecia, clinical trials are its frequent occurrence in both genders. The condition affects 30 million females and 50 million men in the US. Moreover, by the age of 50, approximately 30 to 50 percent of men are affected by Androgenetic Alopecia.

Researchers also want to study this hair loss condition to understand the underlying causes of Androgenetic Alopecia that trigger the beginning of this condition in men as early as teen years. The condition progresses and worsens with age.  

Researchers suspect the condition occurs because of different types of genes. But, so far, the variation in the Androgen receptors gene is the only type of gene confirmed in research. Treatment is advisable because Androgen alopecia in men may be associated with severe medical conditions like prostate enlargement, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Likewise, in women, the condition is linked with a high risk of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

What Are the Types of Treatments Available for Androgenetic Alopecia?

Multiple types of treatments are available for Androgenetic alopecia. These include OTC medications like Rogaine and Minoxidil are popular for preventing hair thinning. However, they are only effective as the first line of defense. Once the condition progresses, you may have to seek another treatment method. In such a scenario, patients can also seek prescription medication. For example, a randomized clinical trial showed the efficacy of Finasteride tablets in men with Androgenetic alopecia. Progressive and regrowth of hair were visible in 2230 out of 2561 men who used oral medication for the long-term. However, 0.7 percent suffered from adverse reactions.

Besides OTC and prescribed medication, hair transplant is also an effective treatment. A hair transplant is a procedure where the strands of hair are removed from the scalp where the patient has the thickest hair. Then the strands are transplanted into the area where they have hair thinning.  

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials for Androgenetic Alopecia?

Over the years, many Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) clinical trials have been performed with breakthrough results such as:

2021: The new regenerative and innovative strategies in hair loss- The study evaluated the efficacy of ALRV5XR (a special compound generated from vitamins, botanical extracts, and minerals) in women affected by AGA. ALRV5XR aims to prolong the anagen of the follicles while inducing neogen in dermal cells and HF stem cells. Though effective, more research is underway for factual findings.

2023: Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Using PRP- This clinical trial was conducted on two groups of 20 people with AGA. However, group 1 received PRP treatments for three months with a booster, while group 2 received PRP spaced three months apart. The results showed group 1 yielded better results than group 2. This trial has led to more studies for further examination.

Who Are Some Of The Key Opinion Leaders/Researchers/Institutions Conducting Androgenetic Alopecia Clinical Trial Research?

American Academy of Dermatology Association supports advances in cosmetic and medical treatments for skin, nails, and hair through research, education, and other activities.

Maria K. Hordinsky, MD, is the chair and professor of DOD (Department of Dermatology) and Director of the Clinical Research Department at the UoM (University of Minnesota). She is well-reputed for her excellence and quality research in hair diseases.