Dosing underway in phase 2a trial of PP405 for androgenetic alopecia

Key takeaways:

• PP405 is designed to reactivate dormant hair follicle stem cells.
• Pelage Pharmaceuticals has raised $14 million in Series A-1 funding.

The first patients have been dosed in a phase 2a clinical trial of PP405 for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, Pelage Pharmaceuticals announced in a press release.

The randomized, placebo-controlled trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of PP405 in 60 men and women with the condition, also known as pattern baldness.

PP405, a noninvasive, topical small molecule, is designed to reactivate dormant hair follicle stem cells to restart hair growth, according to the release.

Subjects in the trial will be randomly assigned to apply topical PP405 or placebo daily.

“The advancement of our lead program, PP405, into phase 2a is a pivotal moment in our journey to deliver a noninvasive, innovative treatment for androgenetic alopecia across all genders, skin types and hair types,” Qing Yu Christina Weng, MD, chief medical officer of Pelage Pharmaceuticals, said in the release. “We are excited to include women and men of all skin tones and hair textures, which has not always been the case in hair loss studies.”

In addition, the company reported it has raised $14 million in Series A-1 funding, led by GV, and has formed a clinical advisory board to support and advance its clinical programs.