MCL-1 protein may help maintain hair follicles in the growth phase and prevent miniaturization. There is interest in experimental treatments like exosomes, peptides, or stem cell serums to upregulate MCL-1 for hair loss, especially for those not using minoxidil or finasteride.
PP405 shows promise in hair loss treatment, but stem cell therapy using adipose-derived stem cells and ATP also successfully reversed androgenetic alopecia in mice. Stem cell therapy is costly, and some doubt the effectiveness of PP405 based on press releases.
PP405 is ineffective for miniaturized, fibrosed hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia. AMP303 may activate hair follicle stem cells, but minoxidil and finasteride are still the main treatments.
PP405's phase 2a trial results were presented, focusing on safety and pharmacokinetics, with a future meeting planned to share the full dataset. The trial includes a randomized controlled portion and an open-label extension, with no indication of phase 2B completion.
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.