The Effectiveness of Allogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Therapy on Hair Regrowth in Androgenetic Alopecia: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Control Trial

1. Introduction:

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a common form of hair loss affecting both men and women, characterized by the miniaturization of hair follicles due to the influence of a variety of factors including androgens and genetics. AGA affects a sizeable portion of the population worldwide, affecting males and females both.1 While many accept it as a normal physiological process of ageing, for others it causes remarkable concern and worry, especially pertaining to personal appearance and self-confidence. So much so leading to body image issues and even psychological disorders1,2,3. Hence it becomes empirical to treat this condition with aim to achieve patient satisfaction. Current treatment options, such as minoxidil and finasteride, have limitations in efficacy and number of adverse effects which limit their use.1 Mesenchymal derived stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a potential therapeutic option due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties.1 Cell-based therapy has seen a significant rise as an alternative for treating medical disorders in recent years. Specifically, stem cell therapy has been applied to address various dermatological conditions, including alopecia. Stem cells (SCs) are known to play a crucial role in initiating the hair growth cycle and remodeling.1 Emerging evidence suggests that stem cells may be responsible for releasing cytokines, chemokines, and specific growth factors like bFGF, VEGF, IGF-1, HGF, and TGF-β1. These molecules initiate cell repair processes through angiogenesis, immunomodulation, cell differentiation, and proliferation. In the scalp, they exert a paracrine effect on neighboring cells and tissues, promoting hair follicle growth, adjusting hair growth patterns, regulating follicle size via angiogenesis, and supporting the retention of the anagen phase.2,3 A RCT comparing Adipose derived Stem Cell Constituent Extract (ADSC-CE) with Placebo (Distilled water), carried out at Busan National University Yangsan Hospital, Korea showed significant statistical improvement in mean hair count and mean hair diameter in Intervention Group (IG) versus Control Group (CG) 16 weeks post treatment. Change from baseline in Hair Diameter was 0.008 ± 0.007 in IG versus 0.004 ± 0.004 in CG with p value of .023. Change from baseline in Hair counts was 3.89 ± 3.01 in IG versus 1.44 ± 1.97 in CG with p value of .025. In investigator assessment using photographs, intervention failed to show a statistically significant improvement in both groups. In the participants self-assessments, no significant intergroup differences were observed.3 Based on above evidence, there is a vast avenue of research in potential role of MSCs therapy in AGA, as an emerging approach.1,2,3 This study has the potential to pave the way for further advancements in regenerative medicine. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MSCs in the treatment of AGA through a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT).

As current treatments offer limited success, this study is directed to explore potential for a novel, minimally invasive alternative with long term effectiveness and improved outcomes in hair loss management, especially in our population, addressing an unmet clinical need. 2. OBJECTIVE i. To compare the mean hair regenerative effect of Mesenchymal derived stem cells (MSCs) versus Placebo, in treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

ii. To determine and compare the investigators assessment and patient satisfaction in both groups.