Subcutaneous Injection of Genetically Engineered Exosomes for Androgenic Alopecia Treatment

May 2025 in “ Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology ”

Yukun Liu, Yonghong Liu, Jing Zhao, Tianyi Deng, Yinyin Ben, Ruitao Lu, Xusha Zhou, Runbin Yan, Xiaoqing Chen, Jian V. Zhang, Grace Guoying Zhou

genetically engineered exosomes EX104 VEGFA WNT10B FGF7 androgenic alopecia C57BL/6 mouse models dermal papilla cell proliferation dihydrotestosterone hair follicle microenvironment blood vessel formation hair follicle proliferation hair coverage follicular miniaturization androgen receptor mRNA expression AGA DHT

TLDR EX104 shows promise in treating hair loss by promoting hair growth and improving scalp health.

The study explores the potential of EX104, a genetically engineered exosome encapsulating VEGFA, WNT10B, and FGF7, for treating androgenic alopecia (AGA) in C57BL/6 mouse models. EX104 was found to enhance dermal papilla cell proliferation, counteract the effects of dihydrotestosterone, and improve the hair follicle microenvironment by increasing blood vessel formation and hair follicle proliferation. The treatment significantly increased hair coverage, reversed follicular miniaturization, and reduced androgen receptor mRNA expression, suggesting it effectively addresses the pathological processes of AGA. While the results are promising, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

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