Losing one’s lush crowning glory can be a depressive situation for almost all individuals in their late 20s or early 30s. That is why there are a large number of potential hair loss treatments with different levels of effectiveness. A company, which manufactures an eyelash enhancer Latisse, has proudly announced that it has begun the testing method for its hair loss formulation on sufferers whose hair loss is genetically inherited. Latisse is a FDA approved , prescription strength treatment for eyelash enhancement. The manufacturers of Latisse are now hoping that its hair loss product aimed at treating male pattern baldness and other hair loss conditions can gain FDA approval. Read More »

Scientists are on the verge of making extraordinary medical breakthroughs using the latest stem cell technology. Many important hair growth therapies have had fantastic results in animal testing, and human trials are expected to commence in the very near future.

However, knowing that “stem cells” are now a technical buzzword, many dubious companies are using fake stem-cell science to trick customers into buying their ineffective hair growth products. Technically, even chewing bubblegum involves stem cells, so these companies are not liable for false advertising.

Given that the hair loss industry has an extremely long history of misleading claims and patient dissatisfaction, buyers should be extra wary of hair loss companies that claim to have medical technologies that use stem cells to restore lost hair. Very, very few actual stem cell therapies have been approved for human use. If a company was truly using stem cells to cure an illness, it would have an extensive record of clinical testing and media coverage to prove it.

Read More »

Researchers believe they may have found a chemical compound that induces hair growth by blocking a stress-related hormone associated with hair loss. This is good, because at the present time there are very few effective treatments for people living with Androgenetic Alopcia. Even FDA approved medications such as Minoxidil show only limited efficacy in most patients.

A scientific team at UCLA used mice that were genetically altered to overproduce a stress hormone called corticotrophin-releasing factor or CRF. As these mice age, they lose their hair and eventually become bald on their backs, making them visually distinct from other mice who have thicker hair.

The researchers injected a peptide called astressin-B – which has the ability to block the action of CRF – into the bald mice to observe how its CRF-blocking ability affected gastrointestinal tract function. When the initial single injection had no effect the investigators continued the injections over five days to give the peptide a better chance of blocking the CRF receptors. They measured the effects of this regimen on the stress-induced response in the colons of the mice and placed the mice back in the cages with their hairy counterparts. Read More »

Many people wonder: “What exactly is science doing to improve upon pre-existing hair loss therapies? Is any progress being made?”
The answer (thankfully) is “yes.”

Fortunately for hair loss sufferers, science is moving forward at a rapid pace. There are many companies working towards providing better solutions for customers living with Androgenetic Alopecia – each one pursuing several unique and intriguing research paths. Although it is unclear when any of these new treatments will ultimately reach the market, it is still exciting to watch each significant development unfold.

The main contenders in the race to bring more effective hair loss treatments to the masses are Histogen, Follica, Trichoscience, Aderans and Oxford BioLabs (the company behind TRX2). Although the exact mechanisms behind each one of these treatments are proprietary and quite complex, we have decided to provide brief overviews of the research conducted to date.

Histogen is currently conducting Phase I/II clinical studies for its injectable Hair Stimulating Complex (HSC). The Wnt Proteins contained in HSC have been proven to elicit new hair growth in individuals with Androgenetic Alopecia. Although Histogen is currently facing a lawsuit from one if its primary competitors, SkinMedica, the company plans to carry out further studies in Singapore starting February 2011. Due to relaxed Asian regulatory policies, the earliest projected date for commercialization is 2013.

Follica gained significant media attention in May of 2007 when its lead researcher, Dr. George Cotsarelis, published a paper that proved wound healing could induce to follicular neogenesis in adult mammals (a feat presumed to be impossible). In 2008 the company stated that a small proof of concept study was underway, but no results were released. Follica has since been silent, but their recent appearance at the 2010 Bio-Windhover Partnering Conference seems to indicate that they are moving toward clinical trials. Follica has added several prominent members to its team, including chairman Kirk Raab (former Genentech CEO) and CEO William Ju (formerly COO of PTC Therapeutics and Vice President of Pharmacia Corporation).

TrichoScience gained notoriety in 2009 when announced plans to begin a Phase I clinical trial in Europe. The company revealed that they had been conducting research since 2000, keeping quiet until they were more confident in their technology. The TrichoScience technique involves multiplying dermal sheath cup cells in culture and injecting them into recipient areas affected by pattern hair loss. TrichoScience has thus far given no date for commercialization, but Phase 1 is expected to begin during late 2010.

Aderans is currently conducting a Phase II clinical study in several major metropolitan areas across the United States. In February of 2010 the company announced that they would increase the breadth and scope of this phase by adding several new treatment centers and enlisting dozens of extra trialists. The Aderans approach is quite complex, multiplying several different types of cells in culture and introducing them into the skin with extra-cellular matrix bioscaffolds. It is unclear exactly when this treatment will hit the market (or how effective it will be), but a recent presentation given to Aderans shareholders projected a release date of 2014. During this presentation it was also revealed that Aderans possessed an entire portfolio of unique hair regeneration products.

Oxford BioLabs, the company behind TRX2, is pursuing a platform technology distinct from any other research approach to date. Our science is based on the recent discovery that potassium ion channels exist within human hair follicles. By targeting these small pore-forming structures, TRX2 products aim to restore full vitality and function of miniaturized hair follicles. In pursuit of this goal, we have announced the launch of our first product, TRX2™ Molecular Supplement Capsules, and finalized clinical trial plans in several key areas. Our team is made up of world-class scientists and innovators who are all driven to persevere in formulating the most comprehensive treatment for men and women experiencing hair loss. The first updates (and products) will be released during 2010.

In the meantime we will keep you updated about where we are in the clinical process and we will continue to post news and articles regarding other available hair loss treatments.

Dr. Whitfield answers your questions.

Question: Hey Thomas! Speaking of new medical treatments, is TRX2™ one product or a portfolio of different products? Will it have an effect on men with established baldness?

Also, are there patents available to read online?

Thanks for your work (and your e-course), T. Greene – sent via email

Answer: Thank you for your question. TRX2™ currently offers one product, TRX2™ Molecular Hair Growth Supplement, which is a result of our vast Nutritional Studies on hair growth. However, our research into potassium ion channels will spawn an entire portfolio of innovative products that are safer and more effective than existing alternatives. We are currently pursuing several different research paths with the intention of eliminating baldness completely (a lofty endeavor to say the least).

Our research into potassium ion channels is extremely promising. We are optimistic that even customers with significant hair loss will be able to benefit from future products.

Unfortunately, the patents have not yet been made available to the public and we cannot discuss our techniques in detail for this reason. However, please check out the Scientific Articles Scientific Articles on our website for more details and updates.

Send your questions to AskTom@trx2.com.
For more questions and answers, go to FAQ

Thomas F.A. Whitfield, DPhil, is an internationally recognized expert on potassium ion channels, former scientist of the University of Oxford’s Department of Biochemistry and member of TRX2′s Scientific Advisory Board.

 

The effects of minoxidil and other KATP channel openers (such as diazoxide) on hair growth have been well documented. In 2008, Shorter et al. proved that human hair follicles contain two forms of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, only one of which (present in the dermal papilla) is sensitive to minoxidil. It has been suggested that potassium channels play an important factor in hair loss

(read abstract here).

Unfortunately, very little was understood about this mysterious interaction because an effective bioassay had yet to be developed.

Oxford BioLabs has created a highly sensitive assay that allows us to rapidly test and develop new drug compounds and chemical antibodies that specifically target potassium ion channels. This breakthrough is central to our efforts to fully understand the physiological mechanisms that cause hair loss and bring more effective treatments (for a variety of hair disorders) to market.

The first product implementing this technology, our TRX2™ Molecular Hair Growth Supplement, has just been released. For the first time, customers with early-stage androgenetic alopecia will be able to postpone their hair loss indefinitely. This is a gigantic step forward for the hair loss industry, one that opens up a larger array of treatment options than ever before!

Your continued support and patronage will pave the way for future breakthroughs. Try our products today and experience our commitment to quality, innovation and results. Your success is our success. Order your shipment of TRX2™ today and start making hair loss history!

This Research Update column highlights articles related to recent scientific inquiry into the process of hair loss. It is not intended to promote any specific ingredient, regimen, or use and should not be construed as evidence of the safety, effectiveness, or intended uses of the TRX2™ product. The TRX2™ label should be consulted for intended uses and appropriate directions for use of the product.

ACell, Inc. in the news.

Alan Spievak interviewed on Oprah segment with Dr. Oz.

ACell on CBS Evening News “Growing Miracles” segment.

ACell animal case studies.

Dr. Jones ACell experiment. – Resulted in scab and scar formation.

Official ACell patent victory over Cook Biotech and Purdue University.

ACell, Inc. is a regenerative medicine company based out of Jessup, Maryland. The company specializes in Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM) products, manufacturing various types of bio-scaffolds based on this technology. ACell achieved worldwide renown after reports surfaced of a gentleman, Alan Spievak, re-growing a fingertip using their Matristem™ wound-healing device. In animal studies, ACell has been able to regenerate both hair and skin when healing full-thickness wounds. These impressive results immediately caught the attention of the hair-transplant community.

The regenerative capabilities of ACell in regards to human hair growth remain inconclusive. Many patients speculate that ACell could be used in conjunction with a conventional hair transplant, creating an unlimited amount of DHT resistant donor hair. Once a strip of hair-bearing tissue is excised from the back of the scalp, ACell could be sutured into place and ultimately regenerate the wound without any visible scarring.

(It is important to note that Matristem™ products have not been verified or approved for this indication.)

Currently only one hair transplant doctor has officially documented his experiments with ACell. Unfortunately, his protocol resulted in the reformation of scar tissue. This result is highly unusual when ACell treatments are implemented properly, however, leading many to caution that his procedure may have been faulty. Unfortunately, the failure of ACell to regenerate skin and hair in this instance seems to have eliminated interest in the technology.

ACell has had to contend with several patent-infringement lawsuits filed by Cook Biotech and the University of Purdue. As of 2006, ACell was officially exonerated of all charges. They have since begun marketing their products on a large scale, even working together with the Department of Defense to assist wounded American soldiers returning from war.

For more information (and pictures!) regarding ACell’s human and animal case-studies, visit our Media page entitled “ACell Media”.

So, what do you think? Can ACell regenerate both skin and hair when it is used in humans? Is this something we should investigate further? Let us know by leaving a comment or sending an e-mail to rejuvenation@trx2.com.

Histogen in the news.

Questions answerd by Dr. Gail Naughton on Spencer Kobren’s The Bald Truth Website.

Interview w/ Dr. Craig Ziering on Spencer Kobren’s The Bald Truth.

Histogen Hair Stimulating Complex – 12 week results.

Histogen on The Economic Report.

San-Diego based Histogen, Inc. is one of the fastest-progressing companies in the race to bring a new baldness treatment to market. Already Histogen has performed successful pre-clnical human studies and is moving on to clinical trials in Asia starting Q1 2010. These accomplishments come in spite of several frivolous patent infringement lawsuits and multiple layoffs (due to external economic forces).

Early testing validated the hypothesis that Histogen’s proprietary Regenica complex (which contains various Wnt proteins) has the ability to rejuvenate miniaturized hair shafts and even induce new follicle formation. In 2009 Histogen became the first company to prove confirm these results in a clinical setting.

In a recent presentation to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons, Histogen’s principal clinical trial investigator, Dr. Craig Ziering, revealed that “84.6% of the patients receiving one injection of Histogen’s serum-free Hair Stimulating Complex showed an increase in terminal hair 12 weeks post-injection, with a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in the number of terminal hairs, cumulative hair thickness density and hair thickness mean.”

So far Histogen’s Hair Stimulating Complex has not been tested on completely bald skin. It is not known whether Regenica alone can completely restore hair growth on a person with established baldness. It is also unclear whether annual applications of Regenica can prevent hair loss indefinitely. These are some of the endpoints that future trials aim to assess.

Perhaps the most promising research into the field of hair regeneration has been conducted by Follica, Inc.

In 2007 scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine unveiled the results of a research study that created new hair follicles in the skin of wounded mice. This process was the first demonstration of de novo hair growth in an animal model, commanding the attention of the international press and hair loss sufferers everywhere.

Since that time Follica has hired many renowned experts in the fields of epithelial stem cell biology and drug delivery. Its medical advisory board consists of Dr. George Cotsarelis (UPenn), Dr. Vera Price (UCSF), Dr. Rox Anderson (Harvard), and Dr. Samir Mitragotri (UCSB).

Although the science is groundbreaking, the process is relatively straightforward:

• A physician would first disrupt the skin of a patient desiring new hair growth.
• This epidermal disruption would result in the creation of an “embryonic window” wherein skin stem cells are receptive to signals released by the body.
• While the body heals in this typical fashion, Wnt proteins can be added.
• Epidermal stem cells within the skin will interpret this signal and begin to create hair follicles as opposed to forming scar tissue.

This original technique was patented in 2007, but subsequent patents have been published in order to protect various protocols and devices designed by company specialists.

While several steps have been taken to build the company there has been almost no substantial communication with the public regarding the process Follica hopes to market.

In 2008 a pilot study was supposed to have taken place, but no information has since been released. As of the present time no clinical trial dates have been announced and no proof of concept has been established.

Follica in the news.

NBC interview with Dr. George Cotsarelis.

Science Friday sound-bite interview with Dr. George Cotsarelis.

Penn Medicine Publication: Hair Brained w/ Dr. George Cotsarelis.