Cyclosporine Injections for Alopecia Areata

This trial tests whether cyclosporine injections can safely and effectively treat alopecia areata, a condition causing patchy hair loss. While cyclosporine is used for other skin conditions, its injections for alopecia areata remain unstudied. Participants will receive either cyclosporine or a placebo injection to compare results. Individuals with alopecia areata affecting their scalp for more than three months, who are not currently using other treatments, may be eligible. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how cyclosporine injections work in people, offering participants a chance to explore this potential treatment for alopecia areata.

Yes, you will need to stop using any treatments for alopecia areata during the study, including systemic therapies, biologics, and topical treatments. Additionally, you cannot use drugs that interact with cyclosporine, such as certain antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

Research has used cyclosporine to treat various skin conditions, such as alopecia areata, which causes hair loss in patches. Oral cyclosporine has shown some success, but side effects limit its long-term use because the medicine affects the entire body. However, injecting cyclosporine directly into the affected area remains largely unstudied.

This trial is in its early stages, providing limited information about the safety of cyclosporine injections in people. Early trials typically aim to determine safe dosage levels and monitor for side effects. Since cyclosporine is already used for other conditions, it suggests some level of safety, but injections may work differently than oral administration.

Cyclosporine injections are unique because they offer a new delivery method for treating alopecia areata, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Most current treatments, like topical corticosteroids or oral immunosuppressants, can have widespread effects on the body. However, cyclosporine injections target specific lesions directly, potentially reducing systemic side effects. Researchers are excited because this localized approach could provide a more effective and safer treatment option for patients struggling with hair loss due to alopecia areata.

Research has shown that cyclosporine may help treat various skin conditions. It has proven effective for psoriasis and somewhat effective for alopecia areata (AA) when taken as a pill. In one study, about 65% of patients taking oral cyclosporine experienced some hair regrowth. However, long-term oral use can cause side effects. This trial will test cyclosporine injections directly into the skin to evaluate their effectiveness with fewer side effects. Participants will receive either a cyclosporine injection or a placebo injection. Although limited information exists on using injected cyclosporine for AA, researchers hope it will be effective.¹²³⁴⁶