Using azelaic acid to treat hair loss in women with CCCA

A Pilot Study of Azelaic Acid as a Novel Treatment for Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Early Phase 1 Interventional Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT05416333

This study is testing if azelaic acid can help women with Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) grow their hair back better than a placebo.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05416333 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of azelaic acid as a treatment for Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) by comparing its effects against a placebo. The study focuses on the anti-inflammatory properties of azelaic acid, which may positively influence the hair growth cycle. Participants will be women aged 18 and older with a clinical diagnosis of CCCA, who have been on stable treatment for at least three months. The study is conducted at Wake Forest Baptist Health, where patients will receive either azelaic acid or usual medication for CCCA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 and older with biopsy-proven or clinically diagnosed CCCA Stage II-IV.

Not a fit: Men and individuals not meeting the specific diagnosis criteria for CCCA will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new option for women suffering from CCCA, potentially improving hair regrowth and reducing symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on azelaic acid for CCCA, other anti-inflammatory treatments have shown some success in improving symptoms and hair density in similar conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* women eighteen years of age or older
* biopsy-proven and /or clinical diagnosis of CCCA Stage II-IV
* on stable treatment without changes for at least three months
* recruited from outpatient dermatology clinics at the Wake Forest Baptist Health Department of Dermatology

Exclusion Criteria:

* males

Where this trial is running

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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.
Conditions Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopeciahair growthhair follicle regrowthhair loss regression
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.