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Minoxidil Response Testing in Males With Androgenetic Alopecia

Completed
Conditions
Androgenetic Alopecia
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT02198261
Lead Sponsor
Applied Biology, Inc.
Brief Summary

Topical minoxidil is the most common drug used for the treatment of AGA in men. While topical minoxidil exhibits a good safety profile, the efficacy in the overall population remains relatively low i.e., 30-40% re-grow hair. To observe significant improvement in hair growth, minoxidil is typically used twice daily for a period of at least 16 weeks. Due to the significant time commitment and low response rate, a diagnostic test to identify non-responders prior to initiating therapy would be advantageous.

Minoxidil is converted in the scalp to its active form, minoxidil sulfate, by the sulfotransferase enzyme SULT1A1. The enzyme expression is variable among individuals. We have demonstrated in two prior feasibility studies that the SULT1A1 enzyme activity in plucked hair follicles correlates with minoxidil response in the treatment of AGA and thus can server as a predictive biomarker.

Consequently, we developed a minoxidil response in-vitro diagnostic kit intended to identify non-responders prior to initiating therapy with 5% topical minoxidil foam.

The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical validity of the minoxidil response in-vitro diagnostic kit.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Male
Target Recruitment
300
Inclusion Criteria
  • Males in overall good health
  • Age: 18 to 49
  • Diagnosed with male androgenetic alopecia with vertex pattern IIIv, IV, or V on the Norwood Hamilton Scale
  • Willing to have a mini dot tattoo placed in the target area of the scalp
  • Willing to maintain the same hair style, color, shampoo and hair products use, and approximate hair length throughout the study
  • Able to give informed consent
  • Able to comply with the study requirements for 16 consecutive weeks
Exclusion Criteria
  • Previous adverse event from topical minoxidil treatment
  • Does not use and have not used in the past 6 months anti-androgen therapy such as finasteride
  • Does not use and have not used in the past 6 months minoxidil (topical or oral)
  • Does not take medication known to cause hair thinning such as Coumadin and anti-depressants/anti-psychotics
  • Folliculitis
  • Scalp psoriasis
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Inflammatory scalp conditions such as lichen planopilaris

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Predicted as non-responders5% minoxidil topical foamPatients that the minoxidil response in-vitro diagnostic kit predicted as non-responders. 5% minoxidil topical foam will be administered to subjects in this group.
Predicted as responders5% minoxidil topical foamPatients that the minoxidil response in-vitro diagnostic kit predicted as responders. 5% minoxidil topical foam will be administered to subjects in this group.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Sensitivity and specificity of the minoxidil response in-vitro diagnostic kit to predict at baseline the mean change in non-vellus hair count in the target regionbaseline to week 16
Sensitivity and specificity of the minoxidil response in-vitro diagnostic kit to predict at baseline the subjects ratingsbaseline to week 16
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Sensitivity and specificity of the minoxidil response in-vitro diagnostic kit to predict at baseline the treatment efficacy evaluated by expert panel review of global photographs assessing hair regrowthbaseline to week 16
Sensitivity and specificity of the minoxidil response in-vitro diagnostic kit to predict at baseline the mean change in non-vellus hair diameter in the target regionbaseline to week 16
Mean change in minoxidil sulfotransferase activity in plucked hairs as measured by the minoxidil response in-vitro diagnostic kitbaseline to week 16

Trial Locations

Locations (5)

Tennessee Clinical Research Center

🇺🇸

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Physicians Hair Institute

🇺🇸

Tucson, Arizona, United States

Istituto Medico Tricologico/Studi Life Cronos

🇮🇹

Florence, Italy

Sinclair Dermatology

🇦🇺

East Melbourne, Australia

LTM Medical College & Hospital

🇮🇳

Mumbai, India

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