Tag Archive for: Alopecia Areata

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What is Alopecia Areata?

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What is alopecia areata?

As we discussed in our prior blog, “What is Androgenic Alopecia?”, September is Alopecia Awareness Month. Alopecia is a Latin term meaning “hair loss”, however there are four main types of alopecia: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA), Alopecia Areata (AA), Alopecia Totalis (AT), and Alopecia Universalis (AU). This month HPIHair will dive into the differences between these four types of alopecia.

Second on our list to discuss is Alopecia Areata (AA). Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes unpredictable hair loss. It is the most common form of medical alopecia.  6.8 million people in the USA and 147 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with AA according to NAAF, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. For most people who deal with AA, their hair falls out in patches of various sizes. Alopecia Areata can affect anyone, at any age. AA typically presents itself before the age of 30. AA is not limited to just the scalp; it can be seen anywhere hair forms on the body. It can sometimes form into more aggressive types of alopecia conditions, which we will discuss in our next two blogs. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a polygenic disease , meaning both parents contribute specific genes that are passed down to their child, which is very rare. Therefore, scientists believe more than just genetics play a role in causing AA and that other environmental and health factors contribute to developing this condition.

Resources and help for those dealing with AA:

NAAF was established in 1981 to offer support to individuals affected by alopecia areata. They advocate for change and fund research to find treatments or cures for all ages. NAAF provides a network of support for those dealing with AA and their families.

Epigenetic holistic testing can also be a point of entry to understanding how your health, environment, and stressors can effect AA.

Hair Loss Clinical Studies & Trials

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hair loss clinical studies & trials

Alopecia affects millions of people around the world and does not discriminate against age, gender, and ethnicity. Androgenic alopecia, male or female patterned baldness, is one of the most common types of alopecia; however, alopecia areata, totalis, and universalis also affect a large part of the population. Because so many people worldwide are affected, there are continuous on-going studies to find new ways to treat the various types of alopecia.

Here are two promising clinical trials to keep your eye on:

In the Alopecia Universalis (AU) and Alopecia Totalis (AT) study sponsored by Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is assessing the safety, patient tolerance, and pharmacological properties of a new topical solution for patients diagnosed with alopecia universalis or alopecia totalis. In this randomized, double-blind trial, subjects are to apply a topical solution or a placebo to their scalp twice-daily for a total of 28 days. After 28 days, hair growth will be evaluated in addition to medication concentration found in the blood and skin. This study is currently in phase 2 of its clinical trial.

The Intrepid Therapeutics, Inc. study Comparator Solution and Vehicle Solution in Males With Androgenetic Alopecia the clinical trial enrolled 95 male participants with mild to moderate androgenic alopecia in the temporal and frontal hair region to evaluate the effectiveness of a new topical solution. In this randomized, double-blind trial, subjects will be evaluated for efficiency and safety of a new topical solution to be applied twice daily for a total of 26 weeks.

Early results seem promising and demonstrate slightly more effectiveness than minoxidil. And because the medication mechanism is different, it is possible this new solution may be used in conjunction with minoxidil. Updated results of this phase 2 trail will be available June/July of 2018.

There is also a new, investigative clinical trial in the Nashville area focused on an oral treatment for alopecia. Learn about that trial in this post. Act fast as the trial is only available for a small group.

Contact us today at 615.662.8722 for the latest hair loss solutions.

Nashville Alopecia Clinical Trial Opportunity–Oral Investigational Drug

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nashville alopecia clinical trial opportunity-oral investigational drug

Alopecia affects millions of people around the world and does not discriminate against age, gender, and ethnicity. Androgenic alopecia, male or female patterned baldness, is one of the most common types of alopecia; however, alopecia areata, totalis, and universalis also affect a large part of the population. In a recent post in anticipation of other clinical trials and studies, we pointed out these and a few hair loss trials. Now, we have one closer to home.
In collaboration with the Tennessee Clinical Research Center, we are supporting efforts to increase awareness of a local clinical research study currently looking for adults with alopecia areata (bald patches on the scalp), or with alopecia universalis–which can result in total loss of all scalp and body hair including eyebrows, eyelashes, and intranasal hair, or alopecia totalis (total scalp hair loss) to participate in a study of an oral investigational drug. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Gold, the trial focuses on oral medication, which have been shown to be more effective than topical treatments. Interested?

YOU MAY QUALIFY TO PARTICIPATE IF YOU:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Have areas of hair loss on the scalp due to Alopecia Areata (AA), Alopecia Universalis (AU) or Alopecia Totalis (AT)
  • Have been experiencing the current episode of AA, AU, or AT for at least 6 months and no more than 7 years
  • Have 30-100% total scalp hair loss
  • Are willing to stop any current prohibited treatments for your scalp hair loss
  • Are willing to attend regular study visits involving lab tests, electrocardiograms, questionnaires, and other study procedures for the duration of the study

HPIHair is not an active participate nor conducting the trials. We support and believe in the science the trials employ. For more information, call April at the Tennessee Clinical Research Center 615.383.9660 ext. 175 or email research@tnclinicalresearch.com.
The Tennessee Clinical Research Center can be found at 2000 Richard Jones Road, Suite 223 Nashville, TN 37215 and online at www.tnclinicalresearch.com.
Alopecia Areata Trial Flyer