RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Cryopreserved Hair Follicles for Disease and Cell Replacement

This research is looking into how cells taken from hair follicles can be used to understand and potentially treat conditions such as diabetes and injuries. Scientists are collecting hair and growing special cells from them in the lab. The goal is to see if these cells can turn into different types of cells the body needs, which could open new doors for future treatments. This means exploring how these 'hair cells' could help us learn more about diseases and possibly repair damaged parts of the body. It's an early step in finding new ways to heal and recover.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Acorn Biolabs Inc.

Enrolment target

100

Start

06 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Diabetes Mellitus Sport Injury Injury Traumatic

What is this study about?

This study is all about exploring the amazing potential of cells found in hair follicles. Think of a hair follicle as the tiny pocket in your skin that each hair grows from. Researchers believe these follicles contain special cells that could be valuable for medical science.

The main idea is to collect plucked hair and then, in the lab, encourage these cells to grow and multiply. They want to see if they can guide these cells to become different types of cells that the body might need, for example, cells that could help in conditions like diabetes or various types of injuries. By understanding how to grow and direct these cells, scientists hope to create new ways to study diseases and develop future treatments that use the body's own cells for repair and healing.

So, in simpler terms, we're trying to figure out if the humble hair follicle can be a source for powerful, healing cells. It's an important step toward finding innovative new therapies for a range of health conditions.

Key takeaways

Researchers are exploring if hair cells can help treat diseases.
The study involves collecting hair samples for lab research.
It aims to grow special cells from hair for future treatments.
This is an early-stage research study, not a treatment.
Participants must be 18-80 years old and understand English.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, we are looking for men and women between the ages of 18 and 80 who can read and understand English. You also need to be willing to give your written permission to take part in all the study activities.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you have any active scalp infections or skin conditions that cause inflammation, this study might not be right for you. Also, if you have certain long-term health problems like autoimmune diseases or diabetes that could affect your scalp or how your body heals, you might not be able to participate.

Finally, if you are currently taking certain medicines, such as those that suppress your immune system (like steroids), or other medications known to cause hair loss, you wouldn't be able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Can you read and understand English?
Are you willing to give written permission to take part?
Do you have any active scalp infections or serious skin conditions?
Do you have chronic illnesses like autoimmune diseases or diabetes?
Are you taking immune-suppressing medicines or steroids?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study focuses on collecting hair follicles. If you take part, you would provide hair samples. The researchers will then transport these samples to the lab and keep them safe at very cold temperatures (this is called cryopreservation). The main work of the study involves scientists in the lab growing and studying the cells from your hair. You wouldn't need to take any medication or have ongoing treatments as part of this study from your side. The total duration of your direct involvement would likely be limited to the collection of the hair samples, with no follow-up visits or ongoing assessments for you specifically beyond that initial step.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that you would be contributing to important scientific research that could lead to new treatments for conditions like diabetes and injuries in the future. There are no direct medical benefits to you personally from taking part. The risks are expected to be very low, primarily involving any minor discomfort from plucking hair. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Acorn Biolabs
City only
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What bodily fluid or tissue will be collected?

Researchers will collect hair follicles, which are the tiny pockets in your skin where hairs grow.

What happens to the hair samples after they are collected?

The hair samples are transported to a lab and kept very cold (cryopreserved) for future study. Scientists will then try to grow special cells from them.

Will I receive any direct medical treatment by joining this study?

No, this study is about research and understanding. You will not receive any direct medical treatment as a participant.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

Your direct involvement would likely be limited to the collection of the hair samples. There are no ongoing visits or treatments expected from your side.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your regular medical care.

How to find out more

Drew Taylor, MSc, PhD

info@acorn.me 226-929-8476 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.