AGAcell® on "Tele 5": Closer to ending alopecia: Spanish stem cell research could be the solution

Closer to Ending Alopecia: A Spanish Stem Cell Study Offers New Hope

A study by the Department of Dermatology at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid has become a beacon of hope for people seeking to stop or prevent hair loss, according to an article published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy.

The key to the success of the research lies in the combination of stem cells derived from body fat with an energizing molecule—described as a “battery” for the stem cells—called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The study is led by Eduardo López Bran, Head of Dermatology at the Madrid hospital, who believes that a cure for baldness in both men and women is now closer than ever. However, he estimates that it may take at least five more years, pending further phases of clinical trials, human testing, and regulatory approval.

Targeting Androgenetic Alopecia, the Most Common Form

López Bran and his team are specifically targeting androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss. The researchers note that this condition affects about 80% of men and 30–50% of men over the age of 50, as well as approximately 40% of women. In men, it typically begins with a receding hairline (frontal balding), while in women it presents as general thinning, particularly on the crown of the head.

The root cause of androgenetic alopecia is a molecule called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When DHT binds to receptors in the scalp, it causes the hair follicle to shrink, shortening the growth phase and producing thinner, more fragile hairs. The study focused on how to neutralize the effects of this molecule.

High Efficacy Against Androgenetic Alopecia

Researchers at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos developed a mechanism of action by combining adipose tissue-derived stem cells with adenosine triphosphate. This combination stimulates hair regeneration.

They then created an experimental model in mice, dividing the animals into two groups: one treated with DHT to induce hair loss, and the other given a placebo. In the DHT group, all mice achieved full hair regrowth, while the placebo group saw less promising results—only about 40% experienced significant regrowth, with the remainder showing only moderate recovery.

This outcome was a key breakthrough: the administration of DHT successfully replicated androgenetic alopecia in mice, providing a valid model for future testing.

To promote hair restoration, the researchers administered low doses of stem cells and adenosine triphosphate to male mice. They found that 50% of them achieved total hair regrowth, while the remaining 50% experienced intense regrowth.

In female mice treated with medium doses of the formula, results were similarly promising: 50% experienced total hair regrowth, 40% showed intense regrowth, and only a small portion had poor regrowth.