50579 Novel Cosmetic Formulation Rapidly Reduces Hair Shedding

Hair shedding is common in women, and its management relies on addressing the underlying causes and applying anti-inflammatory or hair growth-stimulating topical preparations. Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor (synephrine) and trace amine-associated receptor (TAAR) agonists may reduce hair shedding, but their combined effects are unknown. This was a prospective, single-center, single-blind, placebo-controlled investigation to assess the efficacy of combined topical synephrine and TAAR agonist (DA-OTC-002) treatment to reduce hair shedding. DA-OTC-002 or placebo (vehicle alone) was applied for 5 minutes to the right and left scalp of each participant, respectively. Hairs were separated from treatment or placebo sides using a consistent brushing pattern. Hairs were removed from each brush, counted, and their numbers compared between sides using the paired t-test. Seventy-six female subjects participated. The average reduction in hair count was 62.5% in the DA-OTC-002-treated area compared with the placebo-treated area, and a 100% reduction was observed in three individuals. Significantly fewer hairs were shed from the treatment group than the control group (t = 13.312, df = 75, p < 0.0001): 36.26 ± 12.74 hairs from the control group and 13.63 ± 11.28 from the treatment group, a mean difference of 22.63 (95% CI 19.25-26.01). No treatment-related adverse events were noted. Combined synephrine and TAAR agonist worked together to prevent hair shedding, even after five minutes of application. Future studies should assess the efficacy of DA-OTC-002 with minoxidil, which although ultimately reducing hair loss is associated with an initial increase in shedding.