Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy for Hair Loss

Overseen By Research Coordinator

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Must not be taking: Anticoagulants

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Infections, Anemia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 12 weeks

16 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The study team will assess the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma therapy, a special blood product which is from the participant's own body, in the treatment of androgenic alopecia (also known as male pattern hair loss) in females.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are currently taking medication for alopecia (hair loss), you will need to stop and have a 2-week period without it before joining the trial. If you are on anticoagulant therapy, you cannot participate in the trial.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Platelet-rich Plasma for hair loss?

Research shows that Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) can promote hair growth by activating hair follicles and encouraging the growth phase of hair. Many studies report positive outcomes when PRP is used alone or with other treatments, making it a promising option for hair restoration. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy safe for humans?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is generally considered safe for humans, with studies reporting no major adverse effects when used for hair loss treatment. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

How is platelet-rich plasma treatment different from other hair loss treatments?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is unique because it uses a concentration of a patient's own blood platelets, which release growth factors that may promote hair regrowth. Unlike other treatments, PRP is derived from the patient's blood and is injected directly into the scalp, potentially offering a more natural and personalized approach to hair restoration. ^{1 9 10 11 12}

Research Team

Rita Pichardo, MD

Principal Investigator

Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for women over 18 with androgenic alopecia who aren't currently treating their hair loss or have stopped treatments for at least two weeks. Participants must be able to follow the study's procedures and give written consent. Women can't join if they're pregnant, breastfeeding, have anemia, are on blood thinners, have certain skin conditions like psoriasis, infections or metastatic diseases.

Inclusion Criteria

Written informed consent obtained from subject and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study

I am not currently treating my hair loss, or I stopped any treatments at least 2 weeks ago.

I am a woman aged 18 or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have infections, metastatic disease, or skin conditions like psoriasis that could worsen with injections.

I have been diagnosed with a blood or bleeding disorder.

I am currently taking blood thinners.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive PRP therapy once monthly for 3 months

12 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Platelet-rich Plasma

Trial Overview The trial is testing platelet-rich plasma therapy on either side of the scalp to see how effective it is in treating female pattern hair loss. Platelet-rich plasma is made from a participant's own blood.

Participant Groups

Group I: Group B Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

At the baseline visit subjects will be randomized to either group A or group B. Group B will receive PRP on right side of scalp and placebo (saline solution) on left side of scalp.

Group II: Group A Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

At the baseline visit subjects will be randomized to either group A or group B. Group A will receive PRP on left side of scalp and placebo (saline solution) on right side of scalp.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,432

Recruited

2,506,000+

Findings from Research

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from a patient's own blood and contains a high concentration of platelets, which can enhance tissue regeneration.

PRP has shown effectiveness in treating various types of hair loss, including androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata, expanding its use beyond orthopedic applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Platelet Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Scarring Alopecia Due to Discoid Lupus Erythematosus. Polster, H., Kagha, K., Luke, J.[2022]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Platelet-rich plasma in hair loss-Mechanism, preparation, and classification. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Restoration. [2021]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Platelet rich plasma for the management of hair loss: Better alone or in combination? [2020]

4. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Pattern Hair Loss. [2017]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment of male pattern alopecia with platelet-rich plasma: A double-blind controlled study with analysis of platelet number and growth factor levels. [2019]

6. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Platelet-rich Plasma as a Potential Treatment for Noncicatricial Alopecias. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Activated 3X Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia. [2022]

8. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in treatment of androgenic alopecia. [2022]

9. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Study of platelet-rich plasma injections in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia through an one-year period. [2022]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cervical lymphadenopathy from PRP treatment with microneedling therapy. [2019]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Platelet Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Scarring Alopecia Due to Discoid Lupus Erythematosus. [2022]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of efficacy of platelet-rich plasma therapy with or without topical 5% minoxidil in male-type baldness: A randomized, double-blind placebo control trial. [2022]