HairClone has been awarded a three year Innovate UK-Singapore Collaborative R&D grant in partnership with Cell Research Therapeutics (CRT), who received an equivalent grant from Enterprise Singapore.
The grant focuses on investigating the scientific basis of how hair growth stimulants are able to elicit their effects. This knowledge will give rationale to the positive clinical observations seen with CRT’s topical treatment, Calecim, as well as pave the way to more potent, injectable solutions to treat those experiencing androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss).
HairClone and CRT will be working closely to characterise signalling molecules released by cells and the biological effects that these factors have on hair follicles.
HairClone is able to grow dermal papilla (DP) cells within the laboratory. These cells have been the focus of HairClone’s personalised cell therapy for androgenic alopecia (under development). The DP cells, found at the base of each hair follicle, are responsible for controlling hair growth and release numerous growth signals, including exosomes and cytokines, in order to orchestrate these effects. These signals are released into the cell culture medium during growth and can be collected and applied to the scalp in order to stimulate hair growth.
CRT grow mammalian cord lining stem cells, which are collected naturally at birth. These cells are highly regenerative and release an array of factors that stimulate growth. CRT’s clinically available topical solution, Calecim, has shown positive results in those suffering from androgenic alopecia. Based on this clinical data, CRT are also exploring medically-regulated, injectable hair loss solutions.
This Innovate UK/Enterprise Singapore grant will provide data on the mechanisms of action of the various topical and injectable solutions, in addition to developing a regulatory framework through which medical treatments can reach clinical use. HairClone has welcomed a new laboratory scientist, Willow Abbott, as part of this project and believe the goals of the grant work will support both their cell therapy work and exploration of stimulatory treatments.
HairClone and CRT are excited to be working together to gain clinically meaningful results and enhance treatment options for patients using scientific data.
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