Analysis of Mice Skin Distribution Using MALDI-MSI After Subcutaneous Injections of a Potent Novel Peptide Hair Growth Promoter, FOL-005

The document presents a study on the distribution of a novel peptide, FOL-005, which promotes hair growth, in mouse skin following subcutaneous injections. The study aimed to support the clinical development of FOL-005 as a treatment for alopecia. Using MALDI-MSI technology, which combines mass spectrometry imaging with histology, researchers found that FOL-005 was exclusively distributed in the treated skin area and its concentration decreased over time. No distribution of the peptide was detected outside the skin, indicating local degradation. These findings suggest that FOL-005 acts locally and could be a promising new treatment for hair loss conditions. The study was part of a preclinical program following a clinical phase I/IIa study where FOL-005 was shown to be safe and resulted in an 8% increase in hair growth at one of the doses tested.