Extrait

Background and study aims Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness, is a common form of hair loss. It is known to depend on male sex hormones (androgens), in particular on dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes the hair follicles to shrink. The drug finasteride works by preventing testosterone from being converted to DHT, allowing the hair follicles to regain their normal size. Polichem has developed a new topical formulation of finasteride that maintains a balanced amount of finasteride at the surface of the scalp for enough time to allow it to go through the skin layers to where most of the hair bulbs are located. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of finasteride on testosterone and DHT levels in the scalp and in the blood of men with androgenetic alopecia. Who can participate? Male volunteers aged 18-65 with androgenetic alopecia What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups. All groups of volunteers are treated for 7 days. The first group are treated with finasteride topical solution twice a day, the second group are treated with finasteride topical solution once a day, and the third group are treated with finasteride oral formulation once a day. Two weeks before starting the treatment and after the last dose two scalp samples (biopsies) are taken in order to assess testosterone and DHT levels. Blood samples are collected before the first treatment, before the last dose, and 6 and 12 hours after the last dose, in order to measure blood levels of testosterone and DHT. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? No benefits are expected for the volunteers participating in this study. Known side effects of finasteride include sexual impairment (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased volume of ejaculate). Other possible side effects include: rash, pruritus (severe itching), urticaria (hives), swelling of the lips and face, palpitation (irregular heartbeat), breast tenderness and enlargement, testicular pain, and infertility. Breast cancer has been reported in men taking a higher dose of finasteride but there have been no reported cases of male breast cancer associated with the dose used in this study. Where is the study run from? The CROSS Research Phase I Unit (Switzerland) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? August to September 2012 Who is funding the study? Polichem SA (Switzerland) Who is the main contact? Dr Renata Palmieri [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• androgenetic alopecia

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn