New product for hair growth

Purpose and goal

Follicum´s project ´New product for hair growth´ which has been co-funded with Vinnova´s Forska&Väx program has been very successful. The project goal has been to prepare the company´s drug candidate FOL-005 for first time in man trial (FTIM). The major achievements made are the verification of efficacy in human skin, understanding of the distribution of the peptide in skin and circulation after s.c. injection. Safety evaluation, levels for MTD and NOAEL are established and 28 days repeated dosing studies have been done in mouse and minipig. Follicum AB is now ready to apply for FTIM.

Results and expected effects

The verification of an effect on hair growth in human tissue will positively affect Follicum AB´s potential to develop FOL-005 to a successful drug. Furthermore, the increased knowledge about the peptide´s distribution and the accomplishment of the regulatory safety studies has moved the project forward. Owing to the funding from Vinnova, Follicum AB is now in a position where it can start planning and apply for a clinical trial. The project has also led to new techniques and model systems have been identified as well as new collaborations has been established.

Approach and implementation

Follicum AB has advanced the development work according to the plans. Even though some studies has not been fully conclusive the predominantly part has been successful and moved the project forward effectively. The project leadership by the company and the collaboration with consultants and research labs has worked very well. New collaborators and new techniques have been identified during the project will be valuable in the continuation of the work to bring FOL-005 to the market.