Using hydrogels to treat hair loss in alopecia areata
Official title: Hydrogel Therapies for Alopecia Areata
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11136601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new gel treatment for people with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, to see if it can help stimulate hair regrowth in a safe and effective way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,420 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AR084610-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alopecia areata who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of hair loss not related to autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of hydrogel therapies to treat alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. The approach focuses on developing biocompatible materials that can be applied topically to the affected areas, aiming to stimulate hair regrowth. The research team, led by Dr. Leo Wang at the University of Pennsylvania, includes experts in dermatology and biomaterials, ensuring a comprehensive methodology that combines clinical insights with advanced material science. The project will also involve animal models to assess the effectiveness of these therapies before moving to human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals suffering from alopecia areata.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomaterials for treating skin and hair disorders, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Leo Le — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wang, Leo Le
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Dupilumab for hair regrowth in children with alopecia areata
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This project will try blocking the NKG2A immune signal to reduce the immune attack on hair follicles and help people with alopecia areata regrow hair.
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Using dupilumab to treat hair loss in children with alopecia areata
This study is looking at how a medication called dupilumab can help kids with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, by encouraging hair regrowth and making sure the treatment is safe and effective for them.
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Investigating the NKG2A pathway to treat hair loss in alopecia areata
This study is looking at alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, and is exploring new ways to help by targeting certain immune cells; if you're dealing with this condition, you might have a chance to join trials testing these exciting new treatments.
-
Investigating the role of IL-27 in hair loss caused by autoimmune disease
This study is looking at how a substance called IL-27 affects the immune system in people with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, to find new ways to help treat it.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.