Small Molecule Treatment for Hair Loss

Background

On average, we lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs each day. This is normal. More than 50 percent of women experience balding. By 50 years of age, about 85 percent of men are balding, according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA). Current over the counter and prescription medications are not effective in all cases of hair loss and further they may accelerate hair loss in some cases. There is a strong need for an effective medication that addresses underlying pathology in hair loss.

Technology Overview

Researchers at Mount Sinai found that the dermal sheath (DS) of hair follicles is a contractile smooth muscle that is important for progression of the hair cycle destruction phase and relocation of the instructive dermal papilla niche to the stem cells. Pharmacological inhibition of contraction blocks cycle progression. This treatment could be used to block hair loss which occurs following completion of the hair cycle.

Further Details:

• Martino, P. A., Heitman, N., & Rendl, M. (2020). The dermal sheath: An emerging component of the hair follicle stem cell niche. Experimental Dermatology. Exp Dermatol. 2021; 30: 512– 521
• Heitman N, Sennett R, Mok KW, Saxena N, Srivastava D, Martino P, Grisanti L, Wang Z, Ma’ayan A, Rompolas P, Rendl M. (2020). Dermal sheath contraction powers stem cell niche relocation during hair cycle regression. Science, 367(6474), 161-166.

Stage of Development

• Target has been validated in vitro
• Ex-vivo live imaging studies to confirm reversal of DS contraction
• Functional in vivo testing is ongoing

Benefits

• Inhibitors targeting novel target in dermal sheath contraction can lock hair in a healthy state
• Prevent progression of hair cycle
• Reduce hair loss and prevent baldness
• Topical as well as oral administration

Applications

• Treatment and prevention of hair loss