Topical phenylephrine applied to the scalp to measure absorption

Pharmacokinetic Study of Topical Phenylephrine

EARLY_PHASE1 · Applied Biology, Inc. · NCT07033845

This will test how much topical phenylephrine is absorbed through the scalp in healthy women ages 18-55.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexFemale
SponsorApplied Biology, Inc. (industry)
Locations1 site (Rome)
Trial IDNCT07033845 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

An open-label Phase 1 pharmacokinetic study measuring systemic exposure after topical phenylephrine is applied to the scalp of healthy adult women. Participants are healthy females aged 18-55 with BMI 18-30 and Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV, and must have an intact, non-irritated scalp. Blood samples and safety monitoring including ECGs will be collected over defined timepoints to characterize absorption, clearance, and immediate safety. Results will guide dosing and safety decisions for future development aimed at chemotherapy-related hair loss.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Healthy women 18-55 with BMI 18-30, Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV, undamaged scalps, no cardiovascular disease, and not taking CYP- or adrenergic-interacting medications are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People currently receiving chemotherapy, those with significant hair loss or scalp disease, or anyone with cardiovascular disease or known sensitivity to phenylephrine are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this pharmacokinetic study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could show low systemic absorption and an acceptable safety profile that supports further development of a topical approach to reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss.

How similar studies have performed: This application is relatively novel for scalp use—phenylephrine's systemic effects are established, but there are limited clinical data on topical scalp application for preventing chemotherapy-related hair loss.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy females, age 18-55
* BMI: 18-30 kg/m²
* Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV (to standardize absorption risk)
* Scalp free from irritation, dermatologic disease, or damage
* Able to refrain from using other topical scalp products

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or arrhythmia
* Scalp infections, wounds, or significant hair loss
* Recent use of medications that interfere with CYP enzymes or adrenergic systems
* Known sensitivity to phenylephrine or ethanol
* Positive drug screen or abnormal ECG at screening

Where this trial is running

Rome

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chemotherapy Induced Alopecia, Chemotherapy Side Effects, Chemotherapy Alopecia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.