Platelet Rich Plasma Versus Minoxidil Foam for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Women

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a common, progressive hair loss disorder affecting both sexes with significant negative impact on social and psychological well-being. The frequency and severity increases with age, and up to 80% of men, and 50% of women are affected by AGA over the course of their lives. While men are more frequently affected, the psychological impact is likely to be high for women where the social impact of hair loss is often devastating. Current medical therapies specifically approved by the US FDA are limited to minoxidil (for men and women) and finasteride (for men only) (Varothai), but variable responses and the need for indefinite use often result in patient fatigue and suboptimal compliance. Recently, there has been interest in treatments orientated to more biologically regenerative therapies, and consequently there have been numerous studies that have demonstrated successful use for platelet rich plasma (PRP) in treating AGA. PRP contains concentrated platelet cells derived from autologous whole blood that are believed to activate a cascade of growth factors when injected into an area of poor hair growth that stimulates hair growth. In this proposal we will examine whether PRP therapy provides similar or better hair growing capacity in women compared to the conventional topical application minoxidil.

Inclusion criteria

• Only female patients are eligible
• Patients must be 18 years of age or older
• Patients must have Androgenic Alopecia Grade I-II by Ludwig Classification
• Patients must have been on stable birth control if premenopausal.
• Patients are able and willing to provide written informed consent after the nature of the study is fully explained

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with clinically abnormal hematology, serum chemistry, or screening laboratory results as reviewed by the Principal Investigator
• Patients who have undergone topical and systemic therapies for hair loss 3 months prior to the procedure
• Patients who have used any cosmetic product meant to address hair loss 3 months prior to enrollment
• Patients taking anti-rheumatic disease medication (including methotrexate or other anti-metabolites) within the 3 months prior to study entry.
• Patients previously having undergone hair transplant surgery prior to study entry
• Patients who are pregnant or currently breast-feeding children as Rogaine for Women is contra indicated for these women
• Patients who have taken spironolactone in the 3 months prior to study participation
• Patients with systemic, rheumatic or inflammatory disease or who are immunosuppressed
• Patients with ongoing infectious disease, including HIV and hepatitis
• Patients with clinically significant cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, endocrine disease, cancer, or diabetes
• Patients participating in a study of an experimental drug or medical device within 30 days of study entry
• Patients with history of platelet disorders, bone marrow aplasia, sepsis, or cancer in the last 5 years.
• Patients taking antiaggregating therapy
• Patients on anticoagulant therapy
• Patients with tendency to keloid formation
• Patients with uncompensated diabetes
• Patients with active skin disease or skin infection at intended treatment areas