Latest news with #QR678
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hair Regrowth Without Transplant? New Molecular Approach Offers Hope
Mumbai: A team of scientists by mapping the complete molecular network of human hair, have identified several treatment procedures that can potentially eliminate the need for surgery or transplants for restoring hair growth. According to a recent study published in "Stem Cell Research & Therapy" integrating stem cell biology, gene therapy, and molecular signalling can potentially help to treat hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia (AGA) without the need of a transplant. The study co-authored by a multidisciplinary team from US and India, involving researchers of QR678, a hair regrowth formulation and The Esthetic Clinics (TEC) , suggest androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—the most common form of hair loss—not as an irreversible condition, but as a breakdown in regenerative signalling that can potentially be reversed.' Under the study, the researchers analysed five key molecular pathways—Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Notch, and AKT/MAPK—that collectively manage the hair follicle lifecycle. During their analysis, researchers found that in conditions like AGA, the communication between these aforementioned pathways breaks down, particularly with Wnt suppression and BMP overactivation, causing follicles to fall into dormancy. To correct such breakdowns the study outlined that gene-editing tools like CRISPR and stem cell therapies can help to correct misfiring signals, rebuild a supportive microenvironment. As per the researchers some of these treatments have already shown success in lab-grown tissue and animal models, and early clinical trials are expected to begin within the next two years. 'By mapping out the molecular misfires behind hair follicle dormancy, we now have a clearer pathway to develop therapies that don't just slow hair loss—but potentially reverse it by reawakening the body's own regenerative systems,' said Dr Michael Gold, dermatologist and founder of Gold Skin Care Center, USA. 'Hair follicles don't disappear; they go dormant due to disrupted cellular signals. By identifying how these signals fail—and how they can be restored—we move closer to resetting the system at a molecular level. It's a fundamental shift in how hair loss can be understood, and ultimately, reversed,' Dr Debraj Shome, senior author and Director at TEC, added. Scientists involved in the study suggest the global hair loss treatment market, valued around $4 billion (₹34,000 crore) available solutions includes only external therapies–-drugs, and treatment procedures—surgery, transplants. Whereas, the study's findings signal a space for exploring gene- and cell-based molecular therapies—a therapeutic domain that follows a completely different approach with differentiated targeting and treatment mechanisms.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Understanding cell signals could change the way hair loss is treated, study finds
A study titled 'Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Hair Follicle Regeneration and Potential Therapeutic Strategies' published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2025) explains how hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is caused by problems in the body's natural hair growth signals -- not just hormones or ageing. The review focuses on five important biological pathways -- Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), BMP, Notch, and AKT/MAPK that help control when hair grows, falls and regrows. Study highlights The study found that in people living with AGA, the signals that help hair grow (like Wnt and Shh) are blocked, while signals that stop growth (like BMP and TGF-β) are more active. This leads to smaller, weaker hair follicles that stop producing hair over time. 'These signals work together like a team,' Debraj Shome, co-founder and director at The Esthetic Clinics and Depti Bellani, senior manager medical affairs and research at QR678 and lead authors of the study explain. 'To fix the problem, we need to focus on all of them -- not just one.' Current treatments like minoxidil (topical solution that works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and extending the hair's growth phase) and finasteride (oral medication that reduces the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair follicle miniaturisation and hair loss) can slow down hair loss or help with some regrowth, but they do not treat the real reason why follicles stop working. The study highlights new types of treatments that are being tested, such as small molecules that can restart growth signals, stem cell therapy and gene editing. Formulations such as QR678, developed by the authors' research team, are also part of this new approach. Shift in hair loss treatment Experts say this could mark a big shift in how hair loss is treated. Instead of just covering up the symptoms, future treatments may be able to restart the hair follicle's natural growth process. However, the study also warns that activating these signals too much, especially Wnt or AKT -- can be risky and must be done carefully. With over 50% of men and 25% of women affected by AGA by the age of 50, the authors say it's time to look at hair loss not just as a cosmetic problem, but as a health issue that can be treated by understanding how the body's regenerative systems work. 'This isn't just about growing hair,' they said. 'It's about waking up the body's natural repair systems and helping hair follicles work the way they're meant to.' The authors also stress the importance of collaboration across medical specialties to move this research forward. Since hair loss is linked to hormonal changes, immune responses, and genetic factors, a combined approach involving dermatologists, endocrinologists, geneticists, and regenerative medicine experts is essential. 'Personalised treatment plans based on each person's biological profile will likely give better results,' the authors note. They add that wider clinical trials, safety studies and shared research efforts will be key to turning these scientific findings into real, effective therapies for patients. Various forms of hair loss and regenerative medicine The study also points out that other forms of hair loss, such as scarring alopecia, autoimmune types like alopecia areata and hair loss caused by chemotherapy are linked to similar problems in the body's regenerative signalling systems. This suggests that the same scientific approach could help treat a wider range of hair loss conditions. The authors say that the hair follicle is more than just a cosmetic structure, it functions like a mini-organ and offers valuable insight into how tissues heal, how the immune system protects certain cells, and how stem cells behave. By studying hair follicles, researchers can also learn more about the body's broader ability to repair itself, making hair loss an important area of focus in regenerative medicine.
India Today
16-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Healing beyond scars: The emotional side of acne treatment
Scar correction today is far more than a cosmetic concern—it's deeply intertwined with emotional recovery and personal confidence. With visible skin conditions often influencing mental health, relationships, and self-worth, the role of aesthetic medicine is evolving Today spoke with Dr Rinky Kapoor, Founder and Director of The Esthetic Clinics, to explore how modern scar revision is restoring lives, not just Kapoor realised early in her career that most global treatment protocols weren't designed for Indian skin types, which are more prone to pigmentation and visible scarring. To address this gap, she and Dr Debraj Shome conducted a landmark study using subcision, hyaluronic acid fillers, and fractional CO laser—the result: an Indian-first approach that delivers safe, effective outcomes even on melanin-rich skin. 'When someone walks in avoiding eye contact and walks out with confidence—that's when I know we're healing far more than scars.'THE HIDDEN EMOTIONS BEHIND ACNE SCARSAcne scars are not just skin-deep—they affect how people feel about themselves. Indian skin types, especially those classified as Fitzpatrick IV–VI, tend to tan easily and are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making scars look more prominent and emotionally distressing.'I listen to their stories—the avoided gatherings, the lost confidence. "Understanding their emotional journey is crucial,' says Dr are offered a judgment-free space to share their experiences. Through tools like scar grading systems, photo tracking, and personalised planning, they receive clinical clarity and emotional AESTHETIC MEDICINE SUPPORTS MENTAL WELLNESSDr Kapoor's philosophy—healing beyond the skin—defines every step of her treatment protocol. Procedures are not just about appearances; they're designed to help patients reconnect with themselves example is research using Botox for facial scar revision in darker skin tones. The goal wasn't merely cosmetic but to create dermal stability that fosters emotional healing, especially for those with long-standing trauma from scars.'They don't just look different—they move differently, live differently,' she NEW SCIENCE OF NON-SURGICAL SCAR REVISIONNon-surgical scar treatments are entering a new era, thanks to technological convergence. In a recent clinical study involving 165 Indian patients, Dr Kapoor combined subcision, dermal fillers, and fractional CO laser with great success—achieving consistent results and maintaining safety for darker skin types.'Darker skin deserves its research—not just Western adaptations,' she customised mapping and advanced calibration, even advanced grades of scarring can be significantly reduced while minimising pigmentation lasers and fillers, Dr Kapoor is excited by emerging regenerative technologies. Just as her co-invention QR678 revolutionised hair regrowth, she's now exploring scarless skin healing through innovations like bioprinted skin, autologous blood-based scaffolds, and targeted growth factor moving closer to the day when conventional scar revision may become obsolete.'These treatments aim to rebuild the skin's matrix at the cellular level, offering new hope for permanent scar YOUNG PATIENTS RESET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONSFor teenagers and young adults, the emotional toll of acne scarring can be particularly intense. Many arrive hoping for instant results, which aren't always possible.'Flat scars respond faster, while thicker ones may take up to 15 sessions. "It's a journey, not a quick fix,' Dr Kapoor walks patients through real timelines—like 4–6 weeks for visible changes and 2–3 months for meaningful improvement—while reinforcing the emotional value of every small THE ART OF PERSONALISED CAREWith over 1,000 doctors trained worldwide under her guidance, Dr Kapoor insists on one fundamental principle: 'Understand the scar before you treat the scar.'This means assessing the scar's type, depth, origin, and even the patient's emotional readiness. Not every scar is suitable for laser immediately—some require surgical correction first, followed by resurfacing. Her teaching emphasises biology, psychology, and INDIA 'S CULTURAL STIGMA AROUND SKINIn Indian society, clear skin is often equated with self-worth, especially for women. Dr Kapoor has seen firsthand how acne scarring can lead to social isolation, missed opportunities, and emotional trauma.'Education is our most powerful weapon,' she says. Through real transformation stories, public campaigns, and digital education, she's actively working to replace shame with awareness. Every treated patient becomes part of the movement against outdated beauty patient, a young woman who avoided mirrors for three years due to severe acne scars, profoundly impacted Dr Kapoor. After undergoing several CO laser sessions, she finally smiled at her reflection.'We hadn't just treated scars; we'd restored a life.'Moments like these, she says, reinforce why medicine must address both the physical and emotional dimensions of people delay treatment out of fear, shame, or stigma. Dr Kapoor offers this message:'Your scars don't define you. Healing is possible. And you deserve it.'Scar care, she emphasises, is not about vanity—it's about healthcare, dignity, and reclaiming self-esteem. And for every patient who begins the journey, the first step is believing they are worth it.
