Weekly treatment with SAMiRNA targeting the androgen receptor ameliorates androgenetic alopecia

Analysis of Self-Assembled Micelle Inhibitory RNA (SAMiRNA) Drug Using Ion-Pairing Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography Combined with Mass Spectrometry

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is known for its ability to silence the expression of specific genes, demonstrating its promising potential as a therapeutic approach. Self-assembled micelle inhibitory RNA (SAMiRNA) is an oligonucleotide duplex developed to overcome the in vivo delivery limitations of siRNA. SAMiRNA has hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups at both ends of a sense strand, forming a spherical nanostructure that enhances the in vivo delivery efficiency. Ion-pairing reversed-phase liquid chromatography (IP-RPLC) is the most commonly used method for the analysis of oligonucleotides. Since SAMiRNA is heavily chemically modified, the behavior of SAMiRNA in IP-RPLC combined with mass spectrometry (MS) is anticipated to differ from that of the conventional siRNA drug. The current investigation using IP-RPLC-MS revealed that a distinct duplex peak along with two minor separate strands of antisense and sense was observed at column temperatures below 35 °C in the IP-RPLC system with a 100 mM ammonium bicarbonate buffer system. At column temperatures higher than 35 °C, however, two fully denatured single strands were observed. The mass spectrum from the chromatographic peak of the SAMiRNA duplex contained signals from the duplex, the antisense, and the sense, probably due to duplex denaturation during the MS ionization process. The current comprehensive analysis results will make a substantial contribution to the future application of IP-RPLC-MS in the analysis of SAMiRNA.

A Phase I, Open-Label, Sequential, Single-Dose Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic, and Safety of IVL3001, a Finasteride-Based Novel Long-Acting Injection for Androgenetic Alopecia

INTRODUCTION

Hair loss is driven by multiple factors, including genetics. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a condition in which treatments necessitate prolonged compliance with prescribed medications. We have developed IVL3001, a long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation of finasteride encapsulated within poly lactic-co-glycolic acid microspheres, to enhance the efficacy of the finasteride and to achieve consistent positive outcomes in adults. An open-label, sequential, single-dose phase I clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic (PD) of IVL3001.

METHODS

A total of 40 non-smoking, healthy adult males were divided into three cohorts where the IVL3001 group received a single subcutaneous injection of 12-36 mg IVL3001 and 1 mg finasteride (Propecia®) once daily for 28 days. The plasma concentrations of finasteride, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The tolerability of the injections was assessed, and compartment models were developed to predict the effective dose and assess PK/PD profiles.

RESULTS

IVL3001 and finasteride 1 mg tablets were well tolerated. IVL3001 showed consistent plasma concentrations without bursts or fluctuations. Consistent with its mechanism of action, IVL3001 reduced DHT levels. Simulation data showed that the administration of 12-36 mg of IVL3001 every 4 weeks achieved plasma concentrations similar to finasteride, with comparable DHT reduction.

CONCLUSION

The present study represents the first clinical trial to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and tolerability of finasteride long-acting injectables (LAI) in adults. The rapid onset of action sustained effective drug concentration and the prolonged half-life of IVL3001 suggest that it offers multiple benefits over conventional oral formulations in terms of therapeutic response and compliance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04945226.

Recent Trends in Macromolecule-Based Approaches for Hair Loss Treatment

Macromolecules are large, complex molecules composed of smaller subunits known as monomers. The four primary categories of macromolecules found in living organisms are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids; they also encompass a broad range of natural and synthetic polymers. Recent studies have shown that biologically active macromolecules can help regenerate hair, providing a potential solution for current hair regeneration therapies. This review examines the latest developments in the use of macromolecules for the treatment of hair loss. The fundamental principles of hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis, hair shaft (HS) development, hair cycle regulation, and alopecia have been introduced. Microneedle (MN) and nanoparticle (NP) delivery systems are innovative treatments for hair loss. Additionally, the application of macromolecule-based tissue-engineered scaffolds for the in vitro and in vivo neogenesis of HFs is discussed. Furthermore, a new research direction is explored wherein artificial skin platforms are adopted as a promising screening method for hair loss treatment drugs. Through these multifaceted approaches, promising aspects of macromolecules for future hair loss treatments are identified.

Novel Pharmaceutical Strategies for Enhancing Skin Penetration of Biomacromolecules

Skin delivery of biomacromolecules holds great advantages in the systemic and local treatment of multiple diseases. However, the densely packed stratum corneum and the tight junctions between keratinocytes stand as formidable skin barriers against the penetration of most drug molecules. The large molecular weight, high hydrophilicity, and lability nature of biomacromolecules pose further challenges to their skin penetration. Recently, novel penetration enhancers, nano vesicles, and microneedles have emerged as efficient strategies to deliver biomacromolecules deep into the skin to exert their therapeutic action. This paper reviews the potential application and mechanisms of novel skin delivery strategies with emphasis on the pharmaceutical formulations.

Unrevealing the Potential of Sansevieria trifasciata Prain Fraction for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia by Inhibiting Androgen Receptors Based on LC-MS/MS Analysis, and In-Silico Studies

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) occurs due to over-response to androgens causing severe hair loss on the scalp, and requires the development of new and efficient drugs to treat this condition. This study explores and identifies secondary metabolites from Sansevieriatrifasciata Prain using the LC-MS/MS and in-silico method. The inhibitory activity of bioactive compounds from S. trifasciata Prain against androgen receptors (PDB ID: 4K7A) was evaluated molecularly using docking and dynamics studies by comparing their binding energies, interactions, and stability with minoxidil. The results of the LC-MS/MS analysis identified Methyl pyrophaeophorbide A (1), Oliveramine (2), (2S)-3′, 4′-Methylenedioxy-5, 7-dimethoxyflavane (3), 1-Acetyl-β-carboline (4), Digiprolactone (5), Trichosanic acid (6) and Methyl gallate (7) from the leaves subfraction of this plant. Three alkaloid compounds (compounds 1, 3, and 4), and one flavonoid (compound 2), had lower docking scores of −7.0, −5.8, −5.2, and −6.3 kcal/mol, respectively. The prediction of binding energy using the MM-PBSA approach ensured that the potency of the four compounds was better than minoxidil, with energies of −66.13, −59.36, −40.39, and −40.25 kJ/mol for compounds 1, 3, 2, and 4, respectively. The dynamics simulation shows the stability of compound 1 based on the trajectory analysis for the 100 ns simulation. This research succeeded in identifying the compound and assessing the anti-alopecia activity of Sansevieria trifasciata Prain. Seven compounds were identified as new compounds never reported in Sansevieria trifasciata Prain. Four compounds were predicted to have better anti-alopecia activity than minoxidil in inhibiting androgen receptors through an in silico approach.