PP405: AAD 2024 Showcases Activation of Hair Follicle Stem Cells in Ex Vivo and Phase 1 Trials

A cutting-edge treatment for hair loss has been developed by Pelage Pharmaceuticals, a company at the forefront of regenerative medicine. Their new compound, PP405, has shown promising results in reactivating the stem cells within hair follicles, potentially stimulating hair growth. This discovery is based on a metabolic switch that can awaken these dormant cells.
In a recent presentation at the AAD 2024 Annual Meeting, the company highlighted the significant activation of Ki67 in hair follicles, a key indicator of stem cell proliferation, as a result of PP405 application. The compound, a potent mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) inhibitor, works by targeting the cellular metabolic pathway to increase lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which is particularly sensitive in stem cells, thus leading to their activation.
Clinical trials have confirmed the safety and efficacy of PP405, with a Phase 1 study indicating its well-tolerated nature and the achievement of the desired pharmacokinetic profile. Notably, the study also provided proof of mechanism and target engagement in patients suffering from androgenetic alopecia, showing a significant increase in Ki67 signal after a week of treatment with 0.05% PP405.
Pelage's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Qing Yu Christina Weng, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of PP405 to revolutionize alopecia treatment by directly targeting the stem cells at the root of hair loss. The compound's safety profile is robust, with no detectable drug levels in the blood following daily topical application. Furthermore, biopsies reveal the structural changes in hair follicles as they transition from a resting state to an active growth phase due to stem cell activation.
PP405 is set to enter Phase 2a trials in mid-2024, with a focus on both male and female patients with androgenetic alopecia. The treatment may also hold promise for other types of hair loss, such as that caused by stress or chemotherapy. Pelage Pharmaceuticals, with its commitment to molecular and stem cell biology, is on a mission to restore the body's natural hair growth capabilities, offering innovative solutions for a wide range of hair loss conditions.

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