Nanostructured lipid carriers containing latanoprost for the treatment of male pattern hair loss

Abstract

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a genetically determined progressive hair-loss condition which represents the most common cause of hair loss in men and can impact an individual’s quality of life. Considering that androgenetic alopecia affects so many people and that there is currently no scientifically proven treatment with few side effects, new drug-delivery systems able to improve alopecia therapy are urgently required. Latanoprost is a prostaglandin alpha analogue used to treat glaucoma. It can cause iridial and periocular hyperpigmentation, eyelash changes including pigmentation and increased thickness, length, and number. Aim: Evaluations of the efficacy of nanostructured lipid carrier loaded Latanoprost on hair growth and pigmentation in patients with AGA. Materials and Methods: Lipid nanoparticles were prepared by a hot homogenization method, and characterized for size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (%EE), and surface morphology. The in-vivo experiments on 12 male volunteers with AGA was conducted on two minizones on the scalp symmetrically, and the effect of the drug and the placebo on reducing signs of androgenic alopecia.Results: The developed Latanoprost loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Latanoprost-NLC) showed proper characteristics for dermal delivery and mean particle sizes around 200 nm and EE >% 95. Latanoprost-NLC and Latanoprost solution in miglyol with 0.02% concentration were applied every three day for 24 weeks on two minizones on the scalp symmetrically. Measurements on hair growth, density, diameter and pigmentation were performed throughout the study based on dermatologist grades. At week 24, an increased hair density, pigmentation and diameter was observed in volenteers (n = 12) on the latanoprost-NLC treated site compared with latanoprost solution in miglyol treated site (P-value = 0.048). Conclusion: It was concluded that Latanoprost-NLC formulation can be introduced for topical administration in the prevention or treatment of androgenic alopecia.