QR678 & QR678 Neo Hair Growth Formulations: A Cellular Toxicity & Animal Efficacy Study

Background: Current treatment modalities are limited in their approach and suc-
cess for hair loss. QR 678 & QR 678 Neo are new formulations, consisting of a com-
bination of growth factors and peptides. This study demonstrates safety analysis
of QR 678 & QR 678 Neo formulation, using in vitro cytotoxicity assay and in vivo
animal efficacy.

Methods: Factors including vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast
growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, keratinocyte growth factor, and copper
tripeptide 1 (QR 678) or their biomimetic peptides (QR678 Neo) were suspended
in a sterile injectable vehicle. The 3-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was
used to explore the cytotoxic effects of each factor used in the compositions in
human keratinocyte cell and human fibroblast cell assays. An in vivo analysis,
wherein study animals were given intradermal QR 678 & QR 678 Neo injections,
was conducted to assess whether the formulations produce hair growth. Also, hair
follicle viability was checked by intradermal injection of the pharmaceutical com-
positions in secondary alopecia.

Results: In both formulations, a positive response was observed with respect to the
number of mice exhibiting hair growth at the injection sites. The injections caused
retention of hair in a 0.25-cm radius around the injection site. On cytotoxicity
study, all the factors were found to be safe in human keratinocyte cell and human
fibroblast cell assay. A positive response was demonstrated in animals on treatment
with the chemotherapeutic agent.

Conclusions: Intradermal injections of QR 678 & QR 678 Neo hair growth fac-
tor formulations are a safe and efficacious option for alopecia. Results seem
encouraging enough to warrant a trial in humans with secondary alopecia, post
cancer chemotherapy.

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