Ongoing Clinical Trials for Lichen Planopilaris
Currently, there is one ongoing clinical trial investigating treatments for lichen planopilaris and its related condition, frontal fibrosing alopecia. This trial is taking place in Norway and explores a combination of microneedling and photodynamic therapy as a potential treatment approach for reducing inflammation and improving scalp health in affected patients.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Treating Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in Adults Using Microneedling and Photodynamic Therapy with Methyl Aminolevulinate Hydrochloride
This clinical trial is investigating an innovative treatment approach for frontal fibrosing alopecia, a form of hair loss related to lichen planopilaris that particularly affects the front hairline. The condition involves inflammation of the hair follicles that can lead to permanent scarring and hair loss.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Participants must be at least 18 years old
- Must have classic frontal fibrosing alopecia with moderate to severe skin redness and thickening (grade 2 or 3)
- Ability to communicate in Norwegian or English
- Capable of providing informed consent
- Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception
Main exclusion criteria:
- Individuals without frontal fibrosing alopecia
- Those outside the specified age range
- Individuals not meeting gender requirements
- Vulnerable populations requiring special protection
Trial focus and goals:
The study aims to evaluate whether a combination treatment can effectively reduce inflammation caused by frontal fibrosing alopecia over a 32-week period. The primary goal is to measure the reduction in inflammation from the beginning of the study to week 32. Researchers will assess improvements in symptoms such as skin redness and thickening, changes in hair density, and overall scalp health. Participants will be evaluated at several time points throughout the study, specifically at weeks 4, 8, 20, and 32.
Investigational treatments:
The trial tests two complementary approaches:
- Microneedling: A procedure using tiny needles to create small punctures in the skin, which is believed to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process and may help improve hair growth while reducing inflammation
- Photodynamic therapy: This involves applying Metvix 160 mg/g cream, which contains methyl aminolevulinate hydrochloride (also known as 5-aminolevulinic acid), directly to the affected scalp area. After the cream is absorbed, the treated area is exposed to a specific type of light that activates the medication. This activation produces reactive oxygen species that help target and reduce inflammation in the hair follicles
The combination of these two treatments is designed to work together to reduce the inflammatory process that causes hair loss in this condition. The study will continue until December 31, 2025, with final evaluations comparing the condition at week 32 to the initial measurements taken at the start of the study.
Summary
Currently, there is limited clinical trial activity specifically focused on lichen planopilaris and its related conditions, with only one ongoing study identified. This trial, conducted in Norway, represents an important investigation into alternative treatment approaches for frontal fibrosing alopecia, a form of scarring hair loss associated with lichen planopilaris.
The study’s focus on combining microneedling with photodynamic therapy represents an innovative approach to managing the inflammatory component of this condition. The use of methyl aminolevulinate hydrochloride, a photosensitizing agent activated by light, offers a targeted way to address inflammation without systemic medication. This may be particularly relevant for patients seeking localized treatment options with potentially fewer side effects than traditional systemic therapies.
The 32-week study duration allows researchers to assess both short-term and medium-term effects of the treatment, providing valuable data on the progression of treatment response over time. For patients with this challenging condition, participation in such trials can offer access to novel treatments while contributing to the broader understanding of effective management strategies for lichen planopilaris and related hair loss conditions.
