Improving hair loss in individuals with darker skin using a laser treatment

Clinical Study to Evaluate the Improvement in Hair Loss in Skin of Color Treated With Fractional Non-Ablative Laser

This study is testing a laser treatment to see if it can help people with darker skin who have moderate hair loss feel better about their hair.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years to 55 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Lumenis Be Ltd. (industry)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy, radiation
• Locations: 1 site (New York, New York)
• Trial ID: NCT06885112 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study evaluates the effectiveness of FoLix treatment, a fractional non-ablative laser therapy, in improving hair appearance in individuals aged 21 to 55 with moderate hair loss and Fitzpatrick skin types V or VI. Participants must have experienced hair thinning for over six months but less than five years and will be monitored throughout the treatment process. The study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of this intervention specifically for those with darker skin tones, which are often underrepresented in hair loss treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy males and females aged 21 to 55 with Fitzpatrick skin types V or VI and mild to moderate hair loss.

Not a fit: Patients with hair loss conditions outside the specified criteria or those who have previously received similar treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new effective option for individuals with darker skin experiencing hair loss.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar approaches specifically for darker skin types, the use of fractional non-ablative lasers has shown promise in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and females between 21 - 55 years of age, inclusive.
* Have Fitzpatrick Skin Type V to VI.
* Have mild to moderate hair loss (Ludwig scale I-II for women, Norwood-Hamilton scale I-III for males)
* Have self-reported thinning or hair loss for more than 6 months prior to screening but less than 5 years.
* Clinically confirmed to have hair loss or thinning by the investigator via physical exam
* Didn't receive hair-loss treatments or participated in a clinical study using 1565 NAFL device
* In good general health, as determined by the Investigator
* Willing and able to attend all study visits
* Willing to maintain the same hair style as at the Screening Visit for the duration of the study. If coloring hair, willing to color it with the same frequency of usage as in the past, making sure not to color within 1-week before and 1-week after an in-office appointment
* Willing to use a mild non-medicated shampoo and conditioner for the duration of the study (medicated shampoo and conditioner refer to any prescription shampoo or conditioner as well as any over-the counter medicated shampoo or conditioner, such as those for treatment of dandruff or promoting hair growth)
* Have a negative urine pregnancy test at screening and be using, and continue to use for the duration of the study, an effective contraception method (i.e., abstinence, barrier control, intrauterine device \[IUD\], or hormonal \[estrogen/progestin\] contraceptives) for at least one menstrual cycle prior to study; if using IUD or hormonal contraceptives - then at least 2 years prior to screening, the initiation of which should not have been associated with initiation of hair loss/thinning.
* Be willing and able to cooperate with the requirements of the study including images taken using a smart camera (multi-spectral) of several skin conditions
* Voluntarily sign and date an informed consent agreement approved by the Institutional Review Board
* Be able to complete and understand the various rating instruments in English
* Sponsor approved global image assessment of degree of thinning / hair loss

Exclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of alopecia areata or scarring forms of alopecia
* Patient is of skin type I-IV
* Scalp hair loss on the treatment area, due to disease, injury, or medical therapy
* Subjects who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. A urine pregnancy test will be done to rule out pregnancy. Subjects of childbearing potential who are not using an approved method of birth control (oral contraceptives, IUD, contraceptive implant, barrier methods with spermicide or abstinence). Females of non-childbearing potential are defined as postmenopausal (e.g.: absence of menstrual bleeding for one year), hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy
* Current skin disease (e.g., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin cancer, eczema, sun damage, seborrheic dermatitis), cuts and or abrasions on the scalp or condition (e.g., sunburn, tattoos) on the treatment area that, in the opinion of the Investigator, might put the subject at risk or interfere with the study conduct or evaluations
* Participated in a previous 1565 NAFL study or treatment
* History of surgical correction of hair loss on the scalp/ Hair transplants.
* Use of any products or devices purported to promote scalp hair growth (e.g., finasteride or minoxidil) within the 90 days prior to the Baseline Visit.
* Use of anti-androgenic therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide, cyproterone acetate, cimetidine) within 60 days prior to the Baseline Visit.
* No history of burning, flaking, itching, and stinging of the scalp.
* A chronic condition of high severity dandruff.
* History of malignancy (except scc and bcc skin cancers) or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
* A known history of autoimmune thyroid disease, any other thyroid disorder/abnormality or other autoimmune disorders that in the opinion of the investigator may interfere with the study treatment.
* A known history of untreated or uncontrolled depression or bipolar disease or any other condition that may impact the subject's participation.
* Recent utilization of low level lasers for treating hair loss (past 6 months).
* Has any condition that the treating investigator or PI thinks may put the Subject at risk or interfere with their participation in the study.
* Is involved in any injury litigation claims.
* Known history or recent bloodwork indicating iron deficiency (ferritin level is less than 30 ng/mL), bleeding disorders or platelet dysfunction syndrome as well as subjects receiving anticoagulant therapy or smokers with usage \>20 cigarettes/day.
* Use of any medications that are known to potentially cause hair loss or affect hair growth, as determined by PI.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

• UnionDerm — New York, New York, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Keren Hayut

Conditions: Hair Loss