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A Non-Randomized Uncontrolled Clinical Study to Determine
the Efficacy of HairGenesis™, a new hair loss treatment for androgenetic
alopecia (AGA), also known as pattern hairloss.
Introduction to pattern hairloss for men and women
Androgenic Alopecia, or pattern hair loss, is an autosomally
mediated chronbiologic phenomenon, affecting over 40 million American men and
20 million American women. To date, there has been no safe, efficacious method
of treating and/or reversing the progression of this disorder without the
potential for negative side effect.
There have been numerous proposed treatments for baldness,
but only a few have provided effective treatment over a wide range of patients,
and none so far have been based on naturally occurring substances. AGA which
describes pattern alopecia, is considered to be a genetically based disorder
and is commonly characterized by thinning and loss of hair in affected
individuals within a given pattern on the scalp.
This disorder progresses by causing the affected hair
follicles to become smaller and correspondingly finer. Eventually, the fine
hairs may be lost and, thus, baldness results in the affected area. Hair has
been classified as being of at least two distinct types, terminal and vellus.
A vellus hair is short, fine, thin, and non-pigmented, with
the bulb of the hair follicle seated superficially in the dermis of the scalp.
Terminal hairs are long, coarse and pigmented, with the bulb of the follicle
seated deep in the dermis. During the thinning stage of AGA, the hairs in the
affected area are observed to transform from terminal to vellus. It is this
transformation to vellus hairs that is equated to baldness. The core of the
phenomenon is associated with structural miniaturization.
Background
Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) as well as Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia (BPH) are believed to result from a genetic sensitivity to the
steroid hormone 5alpha dihydrotestosterone, which is a highly bio-active
metabolite of the androgenic hormone testosterone. Although these disorders are
vastly different in physiology and presentation, the etiology of each stems
from this specific hormonal metabolism. It has therefore been desireable to
create treatments which may safely block this metabolic pathway. In developing
such treatments, various hormones such as estrogen and other anti androgens
have been tested and found unsuitable due to undesirable side effects, such as
feminization of male subjects.
Therefore, it would be useful to establish a treatment for AGA
that minimizes the use of bio-effecting drugs. It would be expected that
natural ingredients will be biologically more friendly to the user and suitable
for long term use with minimal side effects.
Mechanism of Action
This study contemplates the benefit of a naturally derived
composition for AGA in order to reduce or arrest the onset of hair loss
associated with the disorder. The preferred formulation employs
Beta-Sitosterol, saw palmetto berry extract, lecithin, inositol, phosphatidyl
choline, niacin, and biotin in orally administered dosages. The method of
treatment is administering a dosage of the stated ingredients. In one
embodiment, the dosages may be combined in a single soft gel capsule. The
preferred quantities of each is as shown in the following preferred dosage.
According to the capsule formulation of Table 1, a gel
capsule containing 200 mg of standardized saw palmetto extract is taken twice
per day such as each morning and each evening. According to another aspect, the
invention provides a means for emulsifying Beta Sitosterol and saw palmetto
extract, or an emulsifier system component that aids the other components in
penetrating the stomach lining.
CAPSULE DOSAGE
INGREDIENT
DOSAGE
Beta Sitosterol
50 mg
Saw Palmetto Berry Extract (Standardized 85% to 95% liposterolic content)
200 mg
Lecithin
50 mg
Inositol
100 mg
Phophatidyl Choline
25 mg
Niacin
15 mg
Biotin
100 mcg
A
suitable emulsifier is lecithin, inositol, or preferably a mixture of
both.. The preferred dosage of Table I is stated with respect to
lecithin consisting of 61-64% phosphatides, for which the dosage is 50
mg each twelve hours. The preferred dosage of inositol is 100 mg each
twelve hours. These emulsifier system components can be varied in
dosage by a large factor without harm or toxicity.
As
means of protecting follicles from degeneration due to oxidation, free
radicals and metabolic by-products, the treatment provides and
antioxidant component such as phosphatidyl choline. An orally
administered dosage of 25 mg per twelve hours provides a general
antioxidant prophylactic effect throughout the body.
A
vasodilator component is also provided, wherein preferred elements are
niacin, biotin, and preferably both. Niacin, or vitamin B3, generally
promotes circulation and is beneficial in maintaining and promoting
circulation to the follicles. D-Biotin, or vitamin H, compliments the
effects of niacin. These dosages are approximate and may be varied by a
large factor such as 50% or more.
The shell of a gel
capsule may be formed of gelatin, glycerin, water, titanium dioxide,
and such other pigments as may be desired. The preferred dosage of
Table I provides a suitable quantity of each ingredient for treatment
at twelve hour intervals.
In
the dosages and treatments, Beta Sitosterol and saw palmetto berry
extract are considered the active ingredients. Their disclosed dosage
is suitable for achieving effective treatment with intermittent
administration approximately at twelve hour intervals. The remaining
components are administered in a mixture with the active ingredients
for internal administration and may be considered supplemental to
enhance the action of the active ingredients.
The
formulation is believed to function on a molecular level via
competitive mechanical inhibition of the T1 and T2 5-alpha-DHT androgen
receptor sites found within susceptible scalp hair follicles. Unbound
5-alpha-DHT is thus metabolized out of the body via primary excretion
pathways without triggering the secondary and pathological cascade of
events associated with pattern hair loss.
Study Overview
The
goal of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of a
naturally derived oral formulation (HairGenesis™) containing known
anti-androgenic components, in arresting and/or reversing onset of
typical AGA.. Statistical analysis to be determined by gross clinical
evaluation, patient reporting, and baseline, intra-study, and endpoint
photographic evidence.
Treatment Period
Orally,
one (1) HairGenesis™ softgel twice a day. Participants to be followed
over the course of six months time. Participants to report to clinic
one time per month during this period for follow up investigator
evaluation.
Adverse Events
Any participant adverse event reported during this study to be fully documented per standard protocol parameters.
Inclusion Parameters
Males
and females between the ages of 18 and 55 who are experiencing
Androgenetic Alopecia (pattern hair loss in men or women) as determined
by the Norwood Class Scale, in a clinical investigator evaluation.
Exclusion Parameters
Participants with undetermined reason for hairloss
Participants using other medications on the scalp
Participants with no family history of hair loss
Participants with red, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp
Participants who have been diagnosed with alopecia areata, lupus, erythematosus, or other non-male pattern alopecia / hairloss.
Clinical Impression Legend
S=SUBJECTIVE
S-1
Follow up evalution
S-2
Other
O=OBJECTIVE
O-1
Hairloss continuing, no benefit
O-2
Hairloss arrested, no further loss
O-3
Hairloss reversed, noticeable thickening
O-4
Dramatic Thickening**
P=PLAN
P-1
Continuing Treatment
P-2
Discontinuing Treatment
P-3
Modifying Treatment
Evaluation Analysis
Incidence
and degree of side effects, If any. Incidence and degree of adverse
events, If any. Reduction in rate of hairloss, If any.. Aesthetically
meaningful change in caliber of affected scalp hair, if any, as
evidenced by clinical photography, patient reporting and investigator
clinical impression. Dramatic thickening reported.
Study Synopsis
This
research study over a six month period did not reveal any side effects,
drug interactions or adverse events. Based on the data gathered, all
participants (100%) in the study reported an arresting of
symptomatology commonly associated with Androgenic Alopecia and 84%
reported an aesthetically meaningful change in the caliber of affected
scalp hair.
These
findings were determined via investigator observation, baseline, intra
study, and endpoint photographic evidence, as well as patient
reporting. This study suggests a highly efficacious and safe treatment
methodology. Based on these highly positive findings, further study is
clearly indicated and presently underway.
Exhibit A: Clinical Study Statistics with HairGenesis
Exhibit B: Before Use and After Use Photos with HairGenesis
Exhibit C: Before Use and After Use Photos with HairGenesis
Exhibit D: Norwood HairLoss Chart
References
The Bald Truth, Fischer, David, US News and World Report, v123n5, pp 44-50 August 4, 1997
His Health: The Buzz on Baldness, Leaf, Clifton, American Health vl5, n9 November, 1996 pp 34-35
HAIR! From personal Statement to Personal Problem, Pine, Devera, FDA Consumer, December 1991 25(10): pp 20-23
Management of Alopecia,
Source: UTMB Dept of Otolaryngology Grand Rounds Presentation,
September 9, 1998. Facility: Karen Calhoun, MD Resident: Kyle Kennedy,
MD
Alopecia, (Baldness),
Source: UTMB Dept of Otolaryngology Grand Rounds, April 30, 1997,
Resident Physician: Chris Thompson, MD, Faculty: Karen Calhoun, MD,
FACS, Series Editor: Francis B. Quinn, Jr., MD, FACS
Management of Alopecia,
Source: UTMB Dept of Otolaryngology Grand Rounds Presentation,
September 9, 1998. Facility: Karen Calhoun, MD Resident: Kyle Kennedy,
MD
The Bald Truth, Fischer, David, US News and World Report, v123n5, pp 44-50 August 4, 1997
Management of Alopecia,
Source: UTMB Dept of Otolaryngology Grand Rounds Presentation,
September 9, 1998. Facility: Karen Calhoun, MD Resident: Kyle Kennedy,
MD
Estrogen-induced gynecomastia following use of estrogen-containing local agents. Schmidt KU: Wagner G; Mensing H, Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 112: 23, 1987 Jun 5, 9268