Using frozen plucked hair follicles to grow cells for disease treatment and replacement
Official title: Characterization of Cryopreserved Plucked Hair Follicles and Generation of Functional Cell Lines for Disease Modeling and Cell Replacement Therapies
Run by Acorn Biolabs Inc. · NCT06764719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try growing cells from adults' plucked and cryopreserved hair follicles to make patient-derived cells for disease modeling and potential cell therapies for conditions like diabetes and traumatic injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Acorn Biolabs Inc. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Quebec) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 6, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06764719 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–80 in generally good scalp health who can read English and provide informed consent are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active scalp infections or inflammatory conditions, chronic illnesses affecting scalp health or wound healing (including autoimmune disease or diabetes), or those on immunosuppressants or hair-loss–associated medications are likely excluded and unlikely to benefit directly.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Hair follicles will be plucked, placed in Acorn's proprietary transport media, and cryopreserved for later processing. Investigators will characterize primary cell outgrowth from thawed follicles and attempt to generate functional stem cell populations and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. The generated stem cell lines will be tested for their ability to differentiate into cell types relevant to diabetes and injury repair. This is an observational, laboratory-focused effort to document feasibility and cell characteristics rather than to deliver a therapeutic intervention to participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an accessible source of patient-specific cells for disease modeling and future personalized cell therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory reports have shown that stem cells and iPSCs can be derived from plucked hair follicles, but translating those laboratory successes into approved clinical therapies remains largely unproven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Gender: Male or Female. * Age: ≥18 and ≤80 years. * Language proficiency: Able to read and understand English. * Informed consent: Willing to provide written, informed consent to participate in all study activities. Exclusion Criteria: * Scalp/Hair Disorders: Subjects diagnosed with active scalp infections or inflammatory skin conditions. * Systemic Conditions: Subjects with chronic illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases or diabetes, that may impact scalp health or wound healing. * Medications: Subjects on immunosuppressants, steroids, or other medications associated with hair loss.
Where it's running
-
Acorn Biolabs
Toronto, Quebec, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Drew Taylor, MSc, PhD
- Email: info@acorn.me
- Phone: 226-929-8476
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.