Follicum Trials New Topical Hair Growth Cream

On February 4, 2019 Follicum announced via press release they have completed a preclinical trial using a new cream-like topical formulation of their peptide FOL-005.

In the trial, Follicum measured the effects of their topical FOL-005 against industry standard hair-growth drug minoxidil. The trial was done on mice and took about four weeks to complete. The mice in the study received three different doses of FOL-005 once daily and also a control dose which was minoxidil. A positive note, the highest dose of the peptide showed the best hair growth response in mice.

The press release also mentions that the hair growth effect of the highest dose of FOL-005 once daily was similar to the effect of 5% minoxidil twice daily. With this positive data in hand, Follicum is looking ahead to its phase 2 dose ranging trial for humans which should begin in autumn 2019.

CEO Jan Alenfall of Follicum shared these words in the press release:

We are delighted to have obtained such good results from the first in vivo study with the new topical formulation of FOL-005. In previous in vitro tests, we have shown that FOL-005 is transported to the hair follicles. The fact that we have now also found that the treatment in vivo produces a clear effect on hair growth is very pleasing and a great step towards a final product. It is recognized that it is very difficult to formulate peptides for topical use, but with these new data we have shown that it is possible. We see a clear dose response effect in the study, which is positive. Furthermore, we have most likely not reached the maximum effect with the selected concentrations. Thus, this will be further investigated in the future. All in all, the new results provide important guidance for the design of a new clinical Phase II study with the topical formulation where dose and dosage frequency will be studied in detail. We look forward to starting this new study in the autumn and preparations are already in progress.”

I know many of us will be eager to hear about that new human study getting started in autumn with different concentrations and frequencies of application. Let’s all do our best to be patient, I’m sure we will hear some good news before then. 🙂

To read the full press release on Follicum’s website click here.

15 Comments

  1. Frank callinicos on February 5, 2019 at 6:56 pm

    Does have cream to be in a cream base? as that would make it impossible for most people to wear!



    • Follicle Thought on February 5, 2019 at 7:24 pm

      I imagine they are going to make it in a formula that will absorb easy in the hair.



  2. Steve on February 5, 2019 at 7:11 pm

    I live outside of Boston. I would be willing to be involved in the autumn trials



  3. Lynn on February 5, 2019 at 8:33 pm

    I am currently using minoxidil. I am afraid it may be toxic to the body? Has anyone researched this? I feel a bit sick after applying it :(.



  4. David on February 5, 2019 at 8:58 pm

    So it sounds as thought it’s just a minoxidil 2.0. one that only requires one day application with same results?



  5. Lisa on February 5, 2019 at 10:48 pm

    I am curious will this do anymore than what minoxidil does or mimic the results?



  6. Vince on February 5, 2019 at 11:37 pm

    Thanks for sharing the news!



  7. Alan J on February 6, 2019 at 3:00 am

    Minoxidil does not work for everyone, and for others there are side effects, so if this comes to market it will be most welcome. Sadly, my hair loss has got to the stage where I doubt topicals will hold much promise. I am pinning my hopes on hair cloning. I know it is still a few years off, but seems to be within sight now. I hope more work will be done on alleogenic transplants. The use of cells from a donor would be especially welcome for those of us who are concerned that the disease will gradually spread into the horse shoe (indeed, a problem for those who have had conventional hair transplants and rely on hair from this region). The recent news from South Korea is very encouraging. I have the money saved: I just need the science to catch up and come to market! Needless to say, there’s a hell of a lot of money to be made for whoever gets there first.



    • Gladwin R on February 7, 2019 at 1:11 pm

      What news from South Korea? I am also waiting for hair cloning but planning for hair transplant in meantime, is it not advisable?



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  9. Uli on February 7, 2019 at 4:08 am

    Hello Alan, what news from South Korea do you mean?



  10. Michael Ash on February 7, 2019 at 9:28 am

    After some of their earlier posts saying about the treatment potentially only needing to be applied 3 times a week, this seems like a slight step back, granted still hopefully an improvement on minoxidil in terms of side effects. As this is still early stages for the topical I hope the solution will be strengthened in order to provide similar results as minox with less applications needed.

    Also they have just added another update, giving it a read now.



  11. tom on February 8, 2019 at 5:51 pm

    For the love of God, why can they grow hair on mice but not people? AAAAhhhhhh!



  12. Fahad on February 11, 2019 at 7:53 am

    Wtill no news regarding medi post



  13. Craig on March 10, 2019 at 6:01 pm

    Yeah why the wait till autum .Then no news till who knows when , why drag your feet?



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