ILDS Newsletter No. 29: Efforts to Improve Lives of Patients with Albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa

PP405 is a topical gel being tested for hair regrowth in adults with androgenetic alopecia. Volunteers aged 18-55 are needed for a 16-week trial in several US locations.

A person with alopecia universalis is considering using Xeljanz but is advised that Olumiant is more effective for their condition. They are under a dermatologist's care and should expect gradual progress, as follicles dormant for 20 years are challenging to reactivate.

PP405 is a promising experimental topical treatment for alopecia that reactivates dormant hair follicles by targeting cellular energy, with large-scale trials planned for 2026. While it shows potential, it cannot regenerate permanently destroyed follicles, making hair transplants the only guaranteed solution for advanced baldness currently.

Exosomes combined with fractional picosecond laser treatment were effective in treating androgenetic alopecia and promoting repigmentation in white hair patches. The role of exosomes in hair repigmentation, particularly in conditions like poliosis, is not well-studied.

Male-pattern baldness might increase UVB exposure on the scalp, potentially affecting vitamin D and skeletal health. The hypothesis is debated, with some seeing it as a minor benefit in specific contexts.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) might have evolved to reduce prostate cancer risk by increasing UV exposure to the scalp, but this theory is debated. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are used for AGA, though the exact causes and evolutionary reasons for hair loss are unclear.