Peptides of use in the preventive and curative treatment of alopecia

Abstract

The object of the present invention relates to a novel family of peptide conjugates of formula (I):A-X1—X2-Pro-Ala-X—B   (I)wherein:A represents a hydrogen atom, a C6 to C20 acyl group or a cholesterol residue;X1 represents a covalent bond, an alanine or a proline;X2 represents an arginine, a lysine, or an alanine;X represents a lysine, an alanine, or a phenylalanine; andB represents a hydroxyl or an amine;or one of its preferentially pharmaceutically, dermatologically or cosmetically acceptable salts,as well as their synthesis processes and their uses for reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth.

Description

[0001]The object of the present invention relates to a novel family of peptide compounds as well as their synthesis processes and their use for reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth.[0002]Introduction[0003]Appearance is an important social factor in our times. One's head of hair has a strong symbolic value; it is a large part of one's self-image and of the image one presents to others. Hair loss is a real problem which many people experience as a handicap. For that reason, the head of hair is the main focus of the hair-care sector, which accounts for a quarter of the global cosmetics market. Consequently, there is an ongoing search for effective, side-effect-free active agents for stopping or reducing hair loss (alopecia).[0004]Today, in France, more than 10 million people are concerned by abnormal hair loss. It affects practically 2 men out of 3 and 1 woman out of 5 (generally after menopause). The causes of abnormal loss of hair can be diverse: ageing hair, diseases such ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a treatment for male and female pattern baldness, which is caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The treatment involves a peptide conjugate that can be made from a mixture of "L" and "D" forms of certain amino acids. The text also mentions that a 50 / 50% (±10%) by mass racemic mixture of amino acids is preferred, but other types of amino acid mixtures can also be used. The treatment aims to prevent DHT from damaging the hair follicle and promoting hair growth. This peptide conjugate has shown promising results in animal studies and is currently being tested in clinical trials.

Problems solved by technology

Hair loss is a real problem which many people experience as a handicap.

Repeated damage, a poor diet, disease, stress, and pollution can however threaten the hair cycle.

If abnormal hair loss is generally the privilege of men, this condition can also affect certain women and become a true aesthetic handicap.

No all-purpose treatment exists; each case of alopecia is complex and must be the object of suitable treatment.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss and the leading cause of baldness in both men and women.

It results in a progressive and permanent reduction in hair quality and quantity.

However, this product, which inspired great hope, is contraindicated in women and recent warnings have been announced as regards its use in men.

Indeed, the results of a clinical study suggest that patients taking this medicine risk developing a serious form of prostate cancer (Lynn R et al., “Therapeutic hotline.

However, those two products are useful only at the onset of alopecia and their efficacy remains limited because hair loss resumes when the treatment is discontinued.

Moreover, daily use is likely the origin of the undesirable side effects observed in patients using them over a long period such as local skin reactions or systemic effects.

However, generally speaking, they are insufficiently effective, notably because they very often attack only one of the causes directly involved in the alopecia phenomenon.

These agents do not stimulate growth, however.

These products offer only a temporary solution since they disappear after each shampooing.

Indeed, when hair dies, the fat layer in the scalp shrinks.

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