PRP for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Overseen By Angela Wipf, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Minnesota

Must not be taking: Anticoagulants, Corticosteroids, Chemotherapy, others

Disqualifiers: Immunosuppression, Autoimmune disorders, Bleeding disorder, others

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

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether platelet-rich plasma, a component of blood that aids healing, can reduce scalp symptoms and promote hair growth in individuals with frontal fibrosing alopecia, a condition causing hair loss at the front and sides of the scalp. Participants will receive monthly scalp injections of this plasma for six months to evaluate its effectiveness. Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed by a dermatologist with frontal fibrosing alopecia who can adhere to study guidelines, such as using a specific shampoo and avoiding certain medications and products. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore a potential new treatment for hair loss.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

You will need to stop using over-the-counter and prescription hair/scalp products not supplied in the study, and avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, St. John's Wort, and high doses of Vitamin E for 4 weeks. If you are on oral treatments for frontal fibrosing alopecia or using intralesional or topical corticosteroids, you must have stopped these at least 3 months and 6 weeks ago, respectively.

What prior data suggests that platelet rich plasma is safe for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia?

Research has shown that Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is generally safe for treating hair loss. Studies have found that PRP is well-tolerated, with no reports of negative effects in individuals receiving scalp injections. Most people do not experience side effects from the treatment. PRP is considered a promising and safe option because it uses the patient's own blood, reducing the likelihood of complications. Additionally, it is a simple procedure performed in a doctor's office. Overall, PRP has a strong safety record, particularly for hair treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard treatments for frontal fibrosing alopecia, which often involve topical or oral medications like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) offers a different approach. PRP is derived from the patient's own blood and is rich in growth factors that may help stimulate hair growth. Researchers are excited about PRP because it uses the body's natural healing processes, potentially offering a safer alternative with fewer side effects. Additionally, PRP is administered directly into the scalp, targeting the affected areas more precisely than systemic treatments.

What evidence suggests that platelet rich plasma might be an effective treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia?

Research has shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) might aid hair regrowth in conditions like frontal fibrosing alopecia. Earlier studies found PRP promising due to its growth factors, which can activate hair follicles. Individuals using PRP for hair loss often observe thicker and denser hair. Some studies suggest that PRP might help with inflammation-related hair loss, such as frontal fibrosing alopecia, by soothing the scalp. While results can vary, PRP is generally considered safe and involves only a minor procedure. This trial will specifically assess the safety and efficacy of PRP produced by the Eclipse Easy Spin centrifuge for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia, offering an appealing alternative to regular hair loss treatments. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Maria K Hordinsky

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota Department of Dermatology

Ronda Farah, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota Department of Dermatology

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with frontal fibrosing alopecia, who can consent and follow the study rules. They must not be pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid certain medications and supplements, use specific shampoo, and agree to contraception if applicable. People with scalp atrophy, severe allergies, bleeding disorders or on certain treatments are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to use Head and Shoulders shampoo during the study.

I agree to use effective birth control during the study.

I am willing to only use the hair/scalp products provided by the study.

Exclusion Criteria

You have a tendency to develop raised or thick scars.

I am currently on medication that weakens my immune system.

I have had other scalp or hair conditions in the past.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive intralesional platelet rich plasma injections once a month for 6 months

6 months

6 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 month

1 visit (in-person)

Long-term follow-up

Participants are assessed for changes in hair growth and quality of life over an extended period

3 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Platelet Rich Plasma

Trial Overview The trial tests platelet rich plasma (PRP) prepared using Eclipse Easy Spin centrifuge for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia. PRP will be injected into the affected scalp area to see if it reduces symptoms and promotes hair growth.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Eclipse Easy Spin for PRP Treatment Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Assessing the safety and efficacy of platelet rich plasma for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia. This will be accomplished by the production of platelet rich plasma by the Eclipse Easy Spin centrifuge. Subjects will receive treatment once a month for 6 months. Platelet rich plasma will be administered via injections into the affected areas of the scalp.

Platelet Rich Plasma is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Platelet Rich Plasma for:

• Facet-mediated lumbar low back pain
• Degenerative joint disease
• Chronic pain

Approved in European Union as Platelet Rich Plasma for:

• Orthopedic conditions
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Pain management

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Minnesota

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,459

Recruited

1,623,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8922312/

Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth: A Review We aim to review the effectiveness of PRP as a treatment for hair loss including definition, classification, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy in hair ...

2. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-025-01542-8

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Evidence Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a minimally invasive autologous therapy, has emerged as a topic of interest, but its effectiveness remains debated.

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/357629935_Platelet_Rich_Plasma_in_the_Treatment_of_Frontal_Fibrosing_Alopecia

Platelet Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Frontal Fibrosing ... Activated platelets secrete cytokines and growth factors and thus may have a potential role in the treatment of inflammatory scarring alopecia ...

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.1058431/full

Platelet-rich plasma in alopecia areata and primary ... PRP is considered a promising treatment for AA and PCAs in patients who experienced unfavorable outcomes from conventional treatment.

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/9/1123

Inflammatory Signatures and Biological Markers in Platelet ... Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a compelling option for hair loss due to its minimally invasive nature, excellent safety profile, and unique ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12550094/

Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Alopecia Moderate evidence highlights that PRP is safe and effective in improving hair density, reducing hair loss, and enhancing clinical outcomes and ...

7. my.clevelandclinic.org my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/dermatology-plastic-surgery/outcomes/904-platelet-rich-plasma-injections-for-hair-restoration-in-androgenic-alopecia

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections for Hair Restoration in ... No patients reported experiencing adverse effects after receiving PRP injections. PRP injections to the scalp are perceived to be a valuable, safe, and ...