Panacea Biotec Ltd has in licensed a peptide-based technology for alopecia management from the National Institute of Health, USA. The patent protected technology for actin-binding peptide/poly peptide stimulates hair growth and regenerates lost hair follicles.

Rajesh Jam, joint managing director, of the company stated, " The patented technology from NIH provides the basis for development of safe and effective treatment for hair loss, which is a huge problem worldwide".

During clinical studies, it was found that topical application of such peptide(s) in normal & aged mice including nude (genetically hairless) mice increased the number of active hair follicles. Following applications three times a week, new hair growth is observed as early as day seven and the hair growth is retained with additional applications. The ability of hair follicles to constantly renew is ensured by the presence of the multipotent stem cell. This peptide(s) appears to stimulate multipotent stem cells at the "bulge region," a release from Panacea said.

The company will undertake further development of the technology and the company is initiating the preclinical toxicology studies for which the appropriate formulation has already been prepared. After receiving the necessary regulatory approvals for the toxicology data that will be generated, the company will undertake human clinical trials for the product.