Study – Propecia Inducing Anagen Follicles

by Kevin Rands | May 12, 2016 9:50 pm

Study – Propecia Inducing Anagen

The current study used a phototrichogram methodology to assess the effect of finasteride on the phases of the hair growth cycle[1]. Patients/Methods two hundred and twelve men, age 18-40 years, with Androgenetic Alopecia were randomized to receive finasteride 1 mg daily or placebo for 48 weeks. At baseline and at 24 and 48 weeks, macrophotographs were taken to measure total and anagen hair count in a 1-cm2 target area of the scalp….Recently Kevin Davis, a member of alt.baldspot posted an informative recent study regarding Propecia’s
Br J Dermatol 2000 Oct;143(4):804-10.

BACKGROUND: The growth of scalp hair is a cyclical process of successive phases of growth (anagen) and rest (telogen). In previous clinical trials in men with Androgenetic Alopecia, treatment with finasteride increased scalp hair counts[2] in a defined area (i.e. increased hair density).

OBJECTIVES: The current study used a phototrichogram methodology to assess the effect of finasteride on the phases of the hair growth cycle. Patients/Methods Two hundred and twelve men, age 18-40 years, with Androgenetic Alopecia were randomized to receive finasteride 1 mg daily or placebo for 48 weeks. At baseline and at 24 and 48 weeks, macrophotographs were taken to measure total and anagen hair count in a 1-cm2 target area of the scalp.

RESULTS: At baseline, mean total and anagen hair counts in the finasteride group were 200 and 124 hairs, respectively (% anagen = 62%) and the anagen to telogen ratio was 1.74 (geometric mean). In the placebo group, the respective values were 196 and 119 hairs (% anagen = 60%) and 1.57. At week 48, the finasteride group had a net improvement (mean +/- SE) compared with placebo in total and anagen hair counts of 17.3 +/- 2.5 hairs (8.3% +/- 1.4%) and 27.0 +/- 2.9 hairs (26% +/- 3.1%), respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, treatment with finasteride resulted in a net improvement in the anagen to telogen ratio of 47% (P < 0.001). In this study, treatment with finasteride 1 mg day-1 for 48 weeks increased both total and anagen hair counts, and improved the anagen to telogen ratio.

CONCLUSIONS: These data provide direct evidence that finasteride 1 mg daily promotes the conversion of hairs into the anagen phase. These data support that finasteride treatment results in favourable effects on hair quality[3] that contribute to the visible improvements in hair growth observed in treated patients.

Source URL: https://www.hairlosstalk.com/news/new-research/propecia-induces-anagen-follicles/