‘Promising’ stem cell therapy for hair loss could be available in five years

Researchers at the San Carlos Clinical Hospital in Madrid have made a breakthrough in the treatment of hair loss. A recent study conducted by the team involved injecting mice’s skin with stem cells from human fat, specifically adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), to combat androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male- and female-pattern hair loss.

The study found that male mice experienced the best hair regrowth after three weeks when they received low-dose ASCs in combination with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy-boosting molecule. While low-dose and high-dose ASC treatments with ATP did not lead to hair regrowth in female mice, medium-dose ASC combined with ATP resulted in significant regrowth.

Lead study author Dr. Eduardo López Bran, a dermatologist and professor at The Complutense University of Madrid, expressed surprise at the high level of success achieved in the study. The researchers observed a very high degree of hair regrowth in both male and female mice, with up to 100% of male mice and 90% of female mice regrowing hair.

Dr. Bran emphasized the importance of these findings in the field of hair loss treatment, stating that the results demonstrate the potential of advanced therapies as a new approach for conditions lacking effective treatments. He noted that the study’s main limitation was the thinness of mouse skin, which presented challenges in administering the therapy.

While the results in mice are promising, Dr. Bran cautioned that further research is necessary to confirm the clinical benefits in humans. He encouraged individuals with androgenetic alopecia to continue consulting with dermatologists and following prescribed treatments.

Looking ahead, researchers are actively working on confirming the safety of this treatment method for men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 with moderate androgenetic alopecia. If progress continues as expected, the treatment could potentially be available in approximately five years.

Dr. Brendan Camp, a New York-based dermatologist, commented on the study, highlighting the potential of stem cell injection supplemented with ATP to encourage hair regrowth in individuals with androgenetic alopecia. He advised individuals to focus on currently available treatments for hair loss and consult with board-certified dermatologists for evaluation.

In conclusion, the research conducted by the team at the San Carlos Clinical Hospital in Madrid represents a significant advancement in the field of hair loss treatment. While more research is needed to confirm the clinical benefits in humans, the study offers hope for individuals suffering from androgenetic alopecia.