ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common hair loss disorder seen in men. It can have an early onset but has also been associated with ageing and senescence. It often induces pronounced psychological impact. ALRV5XR, a new hair loss treatment herein evaluated, was designed to target multiple molecular pathways involved in hair growth and hair follicle stem cell biology. The main objectives of the study were the assessment of safety and efficacy profiles of ALRV5XR in men. METHODS: This 24-week, parallel randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial was performed in a USA community clinic. Healthy men (age 22-65) with AGA and belonging to the Hamilton-Norwood (HN) classification I-VII and Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) I-VI, were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio into ALRV5XR or placebo treatment groups. Dermatologist assessment, phototrichograms, and blood samples were obtained in a blinded fashion at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Subjects were given a masked treatment consisting of oral capsules, shampoo, conditioner, and follicle serum, which was intended for daily use. Efficacy was assessed via absolute and per cent changes in terminal hair (TH) density, and response rates. The trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04450589) and is completed. FINDINGS: Forty-six subjects were enroled in the study, 23 allocated to the ALRV5XR treatment and 23 to the placebo group. Enrolment occurred from April 11 to October 23, 2018. Thirty-six subjects completed the trial (17 ALRV5XR, 19 placebo) and 11 subjects in each group were evaluable for TH outcomes. At 24 weeks, the absolute change in TH density improved by 21·0 THs/cm2 (95% CI: 9·2-32·8; p = 0·0014), and the relative density increased by 16·4% (95% CI: 7·4%-25·5%; p = 0·0012). The odds ratio for being a responder (≥ 0 change) was 87·4. TH density increased linearly and was not affected by HN, FST, ethnicity, age, or body mass index. All subjects in the ALRV5XR group responded to treatment while 81·8% of the placebo group decreased TH density. ALRV5XR induced statistically significant changes in both decrease in vellus hair (VH) density as well as in concomitant increase of the TH/VH ratio when compared to placebo. ALRV5XR was well tolerated, and no adverse events were observed. INTERPRETATION: ALRV5XR treatment resulted in clinically significant TH regrowth in men with AGA. Furthermore, it appeared to reverse the characteristic hair miniaturisation seen in this condition. When compared to results of published trials of standard therapy, ALRV5XR showed a multi-fold increase both in efficacy and in response rates. In addition, the continuance of TH regrowth from 12 to 24 weeks suggests that the normal structure and function of non-productive telogen follicles is restored and that a normal hair phenotype may be attained by extended ALRV5XR treatment. FUNDING: Arbor Life Labs.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Scalp hair loss (alopecia) in women is a common ageing and senescing condition. It usually presents as androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or telogen effluvium (TE) and often has pronounced psychological consequences. ALRV5XR is a novel treatment aiming to regenerate a normal hair phenotype by targeting multiple molecular pathways linked to hair growth promotion and hair follicle stem cell activation. The primary objectives of this 24-week trial were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ALRV5XR in terminal hair (TH) regrowth in women with AGA or TE. METHODS: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in a USA community clinic. Healthy women 18-65 years of age with AGA or TE of Ludwig classification I-II and Fitzpatrick skin type I-VI were enrolled. They were allocated in a 1:1 ratio into ALRV5XR or placebo treatment groups using a random number table. Masked dermatologist assessments, phototrichograms and blood samples were obtained at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Subjects were given a masked treatment regimen of oral capsules, shampoo, conditioner and follicle serum for daily administration. Main outcomes were absolute and per cent changes in TH density and response rates. The trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04450602) and is completed. FINDINGS: 46 subjects (23 ALRV5XR, 23 placebo) were enrolled between April 3 and October 20, 2018. Five subjects dropped out and two were non-compliant. Thirty-nine subjects completed the trial (18 ALRV5XR, 21 placebo). At 24 weeks, the absolute change in TH density improved by 30·1THs/cm2 (95% CI: 15·1-45·1; p=0·0002), and the relative density increased by 19·7% (95% CI: 8·0%-31·4%; p=0·0016). The odds ratio for being a responder (≥0 change) was 2·7. Efficacy increased 133% from week 12 to 24. Efficacy outcomes were similar in AGA and TE subjects. 66·7% of the ALRV5XR group responded by regrowing 40THs/cm2 or more hair. No adverse events were reported. INTERPRETATION: In women with AGA or TE, ALRV5XR treatment significantly increased hair regrowth without adverse events. ALRV5XR displayed a multi-fold improved efficacy and response rate when compared to published trials of standard therapy. Progressive acceleration of TH regrowth suggests regeneration of the structure and function of non-productive telogen follicles and prolonged treatment may restore a normal hair phenotype.
