JAK2 levels in balding and non-balding scalp before and after topical minoxidil
Assessment of Janus Kinase 2 Expression in Patients With Androgenic Alopecia and Its Modulation by Topical Minoxidil Therapy.
This will test whether three months of topical minoxidil changes JAK2 protein levels in the scalps of adults (18–50) with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Kasr El Aini Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate) |
| Trial ID | NCT07563036 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective single-arm pre–post study enrolling 25 adults with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia at Kasr El Aini Hospital. At baseline participants have clinical evaluation, standardized photography, trichoscopy, and two 2 mm punch biopsies taken from balding and non-balding scalp. Participants then apply topical minoxidil 5% for three months (1 cc twice daily for men, once daily for women) and a third biopsy is taken from the balding area after treatment. Tissue JAK2 protein levels will be measured by ELISA and correlated with trichoscopic measures of clinical response.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Male adults aged 18–50 with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia (Hamilton-Norwood II–V), treatment-naive or able to complete a short washout, and willing to consent to scalp biopsies and follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People with other types of hair loss, active inflammatory scalp disease, recent systemic immunosuppression, major systemic illness, bleeding disorders, or unwilling to undergo scalp biopsies are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a biological marker linked to hair loss and treatment response that helps guide future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Minoxidil's clinical benefit in androgenetic alopecia is established, but measuring changes in tissue JAK2 in this condition is relatively novel while JAK pathway work has been more prominent in alopecia areata.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male adults aged 18 to 50 years with androgenetic alopecia. * Mild to moderate disease severity, defined as Hamilton-Norwood scale II to V. * Patients who are treatment-naive or willing to undergo an adequate washout period for prior hair loss therapies of at least 1 month. * Willing and able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Other types of hair loss, including inflammatory or scarring alopecia. * Inflammatory scalp dermatoses, such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. * Use of systemic immunosuppressants, JAK inhibitors, or systemic corticosteroids within the last 12 months. * History of severe systemic disease, including renal, cardiovascular, or hepatic disease. * Chemotherapy during the last 5 years. * Bleeding disorders.
Where this trial is running
Cairo, Cairo Governorate
- Kasr El Aini Hospital — Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Heba Ahmed
- Email: heba.a.abdelgayed@kasralainy.edu.eg
- Phone: +201016532351
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.