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Research and
Development
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Research
and Development | HairGenesis™
Products | Order
HairGenesis™ Now
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Clinical
Study #2
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Non-Randomized Uncontrolled Clinical Study to Determine the Efficacy of a New Treatment for
Pattern Hair Loss: Andro Genetic Alopecia (AGA)
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Introduction
Androgenetic
Alopecia, an autosomally mediated chronbiologic phenomenon, affects over 40
million men as well as 20 million women in America.1 To date, there has
been no safe, efficacious method of treating and/or reversing the
progression of this disorder without presenting known negative side
effects. There have been numerous proposed treatments for baldness, but only a
few have provided effective treatment over a wide range of patients, and none
have been based on naturally occurring substances. Androgenic Alopecia (AGA)
which describes male pattern alopecia, is considered to be a genetically based
disorder 2 and commonly characterized by thinning and loss of hair in affected
individuals within a given pattern on the scalp of the head. This
disorder progresses by causing the affected hair follicles to become smaller
and correspondingly, the hair becomes 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.3 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 alopecia, the
hairs in the affected area are believed 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.
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Background
Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) as well as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) are believed to result from a genetic predisposition associated with 5alpha dihydrotestosterone4, 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 metabolism5. In developing treatment for AGA, various hormones such as estrogen and other anti androgens have been tested and found unsuitable due to undesirable side effects6, such as feminization of male subjects. Therefore, it would be desirable to find 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.
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Mechanism of Action
A natural or organic composition and method of treatment for Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) to reduce or arrest the abnormal hair loss. More specifically, revitalize existing hair by interfering with the mechanism that causes thinning, and thus may act to reverse the process. 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 are shown in the following Table 1:
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CAPSULE DOSAGE
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INGREDIENT
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DOSAGE
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Beta Sitosterol
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50 mg
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Saw Palmetto Berry Extract
(Standardized 85% to 95% liposterolic content)
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200 mg
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Lecithin
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50 mg
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Inositol
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100 mg
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Phophatidyl Choline
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25 mg
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Niacin
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15 mg
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Biotin
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100 mcg
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The preferred dosage is stated with respect to cholestatin 45% beta
sitosterol. A dosage from 40 mg to 60 mg each twelve hours has been found most effective. According to the capsule formulation of Table 1, a gel capsule containing 50 mg of beta sitosterol is taken twice per day such as each morning and evening. The preferred dosage is stated with respect to an extract of standardized 85 % to 95% liposterolic content. A dosage of from 160 mg to 240 mg each twelve hours has been found most effective. 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. 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 5alphaDHT cellular and nuclear androgen receptor sites found within susceptible scalp hair follicles. Unbound 5alphaDHT is thus metabolized out of the body via primary excretion pathways without triggering the secondary and pathological cascade of events associated with this disorder.
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Study Overview
The goal of this follow up study is to compile additional research data in order to either challenge or corroborate data previously gathered within the clinical research study titled "NON-RANDOMIZED UNCONTROLLED CLINICAL STUDY TO DETERMINE THE EFFICACY OF A NEW TREATMENT FOR
ANDRO GENETIC ALOPECIA
(AGA)" 5/97 through 2/98. Statistical analysis to be determined by gross clinical evaluation, patient reporting, and baseline, intra-study, and end point photographic evidence.
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Treatment Protocol
Orally, 1 softgel
b.i.d. (twice a day). participants to be followed over the course of six months time period. Participants to report to clinic one time per month during this period for follow up investigator evaluation.
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Adverse Events
Any participant adverse event reported during this study to be fully documented per standard protocol parameters.
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Inclusion Parameters
Males and females between the ages of 18 and 65 who are experiencing Androgenic Alopecia as determined by the Hamilton/Norwood Class Scale, via investigator evaluation.
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Exclusion Parameters
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Participants with undetermined reason for hairloss
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Participants using other medications on the scalp
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Participants with no family history of hair loss
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Participants with red, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp
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Participants who participated in the initial study
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Participants who have been diagnosed with alopecia
aereota, lupus,
erythematosus, or other non-male pattern
alopecia.
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Clinical Impression Legend
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S=SUBJECTIVE
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S-1
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Follow up evaluation
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S-2
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Other
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O=OBJECTIVE
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0-*
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Unable to determine benefit
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0-1
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Hairloss continuing, no benefit
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0-2
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Hairloss arrested, no further loss
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0-3
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Hairloss reversed, noticeable thickening
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0-4
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Dramatic thickening **
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P=PLAN
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P-1
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Continuing treatment
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P-2
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Discontinuing treatment
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P-3
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Modifying treatment
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Evaluation Analysis (see accompanying statistics)
Incidence and degree of side effects, If any:
0% of participants reported drug interaction or side effects.
Incidence and degree of adverse events, If any:
0% of participants reported any adverse events.
Reduction in rate of hairloss, If any:
100% of participants reported hairloss arrested, no further loss.
Aesthetically meaningful change In caliber of affected scalp hair, If any, as evidenced by clinical photography, patient reporting and Investigator clinical Impression:
33% of participants reported hair loss reversed, noticeable thickening via continued treatment.
Dramatic thickening reported:
7% of participants reported dramatic thickening.
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Study Synopsis
This follow up research study comprising a six month time period of treatment did not reveal any side effects, drug interactions or adverse events. Based on the data gathered, all participants (100%) in this study reported an arresting of syptomotology commonly associated with Androgenic Alopecia and 33% reported an aesthetically meaningful change in the caliber of the affected scalp hair. These findings were determined via investigator observation, baseline, intra study, and endpoint photographic evidence, as well as patient reporting. This study reinforces the effacious and safe nature of this treatment methodology suggested by the initial study titled "NON-RANDOMIZED UNCONTROLLED CLINICAL STUDY TO DETERMINE THE EFFICACY OF A NEW TREATMENT FOR ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA (AGA)" 5/97 through 2/98. It is contemplated that independent and controlled study of this treatment formulation would be an appropriate next step in the ongoing evaluation of it's potential benefit.
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Exhibit A: Clinical Study Statistics
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Exhibit B: Before and After Photos
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Exhibit C: Before and After Photos
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Exhibit D: Norwood Scale
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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
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