Irvine Institute of Medicine and Cosmetic Surgery-Orange County Hair Restoration Initiates Patient Enrollment for Study of Stem Cells as Hair Loss Treatment
POSTED ON AUGUST 8, 2016 | by Dr. Ken L. Williams
August 8th, 2016
IRVINE, Calif. – The Irvine Institute of Medicine and Cosmetic Surgery-Orange County Hair Restoration announced today it has received independent institutional review board (IRB) approval and ClincalTrials.gov unique identifier to initiate patient enrollment in its clinical study of Stromal Tissue cell-enRiched treatment of Androgenic Alopecia via Novel Deployment (STRAAND).
The STRAAND study is supported and sponsored by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and Healeon Medical in Newbury Park, CA. The principal investigators are Ken L. Williams Jr., DO, FISHRS, hair restoration surgeon and founder of the Irvine Institute of Medicine and Cosmetic Surgery-Orange County Hair Restoration, and author of the internationally recognized textbook, Hair Transplant 360 – Follicular Unit Extraction. Eminent plastic surgeon and regenerative researcher Robert Alexander, MD, DMD, FICS, of Bitterroot Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery in Stevensville, Montana, is the co-investigator of this one-of-its-kind stem/stromal cell study for the treatment of hair loss in men and women.
The study is a patient-funded, prospective, randomized multi-center trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the use of a biocellular mixture of emulsified adipose-derived tissue stromal vascular fraction (AD-tSVF) and high density platelet-rich plasma concentrate (HD- PRP), as compared to adipose-derived cell-enriched SVF (AD-cSVF) + AD-tSVF and HD- PRP in the treatment of AGA and female pattern hair loss (FPHL). The study will enroll approximately 60 qualified candidates who agree to participate for 18 months.
“As the principal investigator, I am very excited about the STRAAND study and the four hair restoration centers in the United States who will offer a unique opportunity for patients who meet the study’s criteria to participate in the research of stem cell treatments for male and female pattern hair loss,” says Dr. Williams.
Men and women typically experience some degree of hair loss in their lifetime, which can begin in their early twenties. AGA or common male pattern baldness (MPB), and FPHL account for more than 95% of hair loss in men and women. In men, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a byproduct of testosterone metabolism and is the primary natural occurring hormone responsible for miniaturization of the hair follicle and subsequent balding. The causes of FPHL in women is varied and more complex. Therefore, prior to stem/stromal cell treatment, female patients require additional diagnostic work up and investigation.
“There are numerous patients suffering from hair loss who seek safe and effective treatment options to maintain or regenerate their hair follicles,” explains Dr. Williams. “We look forward to this study providing the hair restoration community and patients suffering from hair loss the scientific data needed to determine the efficacy and success of this advanced treatment.”
Male and female study participants must be 18 years of age or older and have been diagnosed with AGA or FPHL. Patients can learn more about the STRAAND study by contacting the Irvine Institute of Medicine and Cosmetic Surgery-Orange County Hair Restoration at (949) 333-2999 or visiting www.straandstudy.com for enrollment.