May 2025 in “Acta Biomaterialia” This study developed microneedles combining insulin-like growth factor-1 and type XVII collagen, showing more effective hair regeneration and reduced inflammation compared to minoxidil in a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia.
This study found that recombinant human type XVII collagen (rhCOL17A1) promotes hair growth by activating the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways and increasing type XVII collagen expression, with significant effects observed in both cell and mouse models.
May 2026 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” This review highlights that collagen XVIIα1's role in maintaining dermal-epidermal junction integrity and hair follicle stem cell maintenance is compromised with age due to reduced levels and increased processing, potentially affecting skin and hair aging.
January 2025 in “Regenerative Biomaterials” This study found that a microneedle patch with recombinant collagen XVII significantly improved hair coverage, follicle density, and angiogenesis in an androgenic alopecia mouse model, showing potential as a novel therapeutic strategy alongside established treatments like minoxidil.
June 2025 in “OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University)” This study investigated the effects of a recombinant human collagen complex on hair growth, finding it enhanced survival and function of hair follicle stem cells and promoted hair growth in rat models, suggesting its potential for hair loss prevention and hair health maintenance.