Artificial Intelligence Finds New Drug To Treat Hair Loss
Could AI, the hottest topic in science and technology, bring about the new and successful hair growth treatments we have been waiting for? We may find out sooner than you think.
Last month, while reading an interesting article on the evolution of drug discovery, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about new research being done in hair growth medicine. The article I’m referring to is titled “Revolutionizing Drug Discovery And Delivery” and written by Peter Diamandis MD, an entrepreneur in the biotech and space exploration industries. In his blog, Peter described a new company, Insilico Medicine, which is on pace to completely change the games of drug and drug target discovery.
Insilico Medicine was founded by Alex Zhavoronkov PhD, a computer scientist who transitioned into the field of biophysics. Zhavoronkov began working on the Insilico project in 2014 and he says it took about 3 years of dedicated work for his technology to become refined and usable. According to Diamandis, Insilico’s artificial intelligence engine processes millions of data samples to identify signature characteristics of specific diseases and then identifies the most promising treatment targets for the diseases. The technology then identifies the best suited molecules to hit the targets of the diseases. Zhavoronkov describes Insilico’s impact on pharmacology succinctly, “AI allows us to do with fifty people what a typical drug company does with five thousand.”
Alex Zhavoronkov PhD
I could hardly believe after reading about how great and revolutionary this drug discovery technology was that the first application it would be put towards was treating hair loss. Here’s an excerpt from the article to give you an idea of what Insilico is up to (I highly recommend reading the full article, by the way):
“The results have turned what was once a decade-long war into a month-long skirmish. In late 2018, for example, Insilico was generating novel molecules in fewer than forty-six days, and this included not just the initial discovery, but also the synthesis of the drug and its experimental validation in computer simulations.
Right now, they’re using the system to hunt down new drugs for cancer, aging, fibrosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, diabetes, and many others. The first drug to result from this work, a treatment for hair loss, is slated to start Phase I trials by the end of 2020.”
People who are seeking hair cures have got to savor this one. What are the odds that after you stumble upon the most advanced drug discovery company in the world, you then find out that the first drug they are trialing is a treatment for hair loss? ??
We are fortunate to have been given this sneak peak by Peter Diamandis, as Insilico’s website currently does not list a pipeline or mention the androgenic alopecia program yet. The source of this info, Diamandis, is rock solid and I would not be surprised if he is also an investor in Insilico Medicine. You can hear Alex Zhavoronkov describe Diamandis as “his greatest inspiration in healthcare” at around the 27:23 mark in this podcast interview.
The image above is a screengrab of a lecture given by Dr. Alex Zhavoronkov at Exponential Medicine 2017. The conference was organized by Singularity University, a company founded by Peter Diamandis, of all people. Here, the image provides a rudimentary visual explanation of Insilico Medicine’s drug discovery process, click to enlarge.
While we don’t know the specifics about this molecule yet, it seems that we should be in for a treat based on the prowess of Insilico’s technology. Imagine being able to create the perfect Wnt activator molecule or the perfect androgen receptor blocker. And to think, really, this should only be the beginning of it all.
Posted in Hair Growth Treatment, Insilico Medicine
Enjoy the news, everyone. I particularly enjoyed writing this article because of how cool the Insilico technology is. I’m sure everyone knows somebody who may benefit greatly from some of the drugs that Insilico will develop over the next several years.
Nice to hear! There are literally hundreds of companies that have been using AI for drug discovery for some time, but it’s good to know that potential drug candidates specifically for safe and effective hair loss prevention and hair regrowth are being identified. From my reading, big pharma has invested $Bs into this kind of tech.
https://blog.benchsci.com/startups-using-artificial-intelligence-in-drug-discovery
https://blog.benchsci.com/pharma-companies-using-artificial-intelligence-in-drug-discovery
When I was a contributor to the Pantene Hair Research Institute, we toured a research lab where AI drug discovery was being utilized.
Sincerely,
Dr Alan Bauman
Thanks Dr. Bauman, it was my impression that Insilico Medicine is a bit more advanced than some previous iterations of AI drug discovery since they are using GANS, but I’m not certain. We will see.
Never thought I’d see Alex on this website. I learned about insilico a few years ago by Michael west AGEX . It’s incredible how avant garde this research is
Awesome Egghead!
I believe it will be different drug for individual (depending on outcome of AI algorithm). Trial would be interesting and FDA approval would be more.
Hey Devit, the current drug of interest is not individualized, it’s a standard molecule for mass administration as you are familiar with.
In the future, your suggestion will certainly come to be as well, just dont know how long that will take.
This is fascinating. I’m assuming they wouldn’t be able to shorten approval times at all, they would still require the 3 stages of clinical trails. Do we know if they can take side effects into account when coming up with drug candidates?
Thanks Radula, yes, that is actually one of the fundamental principles of this technology. They find molecules that can hit targets A and B but also not hit X and Y.
This is potentially game changing, not just from a hair loss perspective. Great work admin. I wish them nothing but the best.
Nice work admin! Hopefully we hear from them again soon. Looking forward to knowing what the molecule will be. Maybe they will beat cloning and there will be no need for transplants. Just a thought.
Btw any news on the release of applied biology’s shampoo that’s helps minoxidil work better? If not that’s cool, just thought I ask since we are close to October. Thanks!
Thanks for the support Master V. No news on the shampoo, I will check in October.
I’m not really that excited for this unless they find a drug that can grow a full head of hair On AGA like you see on AA patients with Jak inhibitors. But the only thing on my mind right now is hair cloning not new daily treatments
Do we know the chemical formula? I wonder what it and it’s MOA are. I’d bet it’s some WNT thing
Well, thanks Admin. But its still not even in Trials yet. Means at least another 6-8 years away. If they do not delay as all companies do.
I really would like to know more about companies doing actually trials with drugs which already finished Phase 2 like this Bayer Drug BAY 1158061 sold to Hope Medicine last year. It already finished succesfully Phase 2 under Bayer and Hope management stated it should go directly in Phase 3. I read insider said results in Hair Growth where stunning and they could not beliefe Bayer sold that.
Apparently they have only completed Phase 1 trails according to the latest update I can find. Hope Medicine is looking at launching a “globally integrated Ph 2 trials in Europe, US, and China.” This is as of April 2019.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hope-medicine-announced-global-license-agreement-with-bayer-ag-to-advance-the-development-and-commercialization-of-the-monoclonal-antibody-directed-against-prolactin-prl-receptor-300824750.html
Hi John Doe, I sent you a message but have not heard back yet.
I think it can be a succes wenn the quantum computer is operational, KI is then much more effectef. So we have to wait for that, how long we have to wait for the alopecia problem.
Great article, as always – thank you.
Just to add, as I learned from one of your recent posts, Stemore of Korea also collaborates with an AI-company in search of a medicine against hairloss.
Interesting developments, these new approaches will change a lot in the next 10 years.
First develop the AI-drug, then test it on a human-on-a-chip-model/organoids and then find out via a genetic screening if the drug individually fits to the patient. Not talking about hairloss here, but really severe diseases.
Our children one day will look back at our era and laugh on how we treated diseases. Definitely a development of humankind that is a good one, opposing to many others.
Thanks Ben, I appreciate your kind words.
Future certainly sounds promising! I’m guessing it will be around a decade or so atleast until this technology comes about. My question is if this molecule is the perfect androgen blocker or wnt activator and can prevent and reverse balding then surely the price tag would be unaffordable for most people giving that modern FUE transplants are too pricey for some people surely this will be alot more expensive. Guess we won’t know until it comes out but just a thought.
Decade is possible but since it’s a drug and planned to start trials in 2020, it could very reasonably come out around 2026/27.
Yoda’s retirement target! 😉
Hey what a retirement bonus that would be.
I wish I could get hyped by a mysterious drug that I know nothing about just because it was discovered by a computer. I probably should get excited tho, because AI might succeed in what human kind miserably failed : finding a solution to.this problem
I don’t think we yet understand the effects and the revolution that quantistic computer will bring in our society
We are far from the full potential of classical computing, why talk about quantum computing already? I admit progress is going steady though
Well I read that the companies that have developed quantistic computers are already using them for the sake of other companies’ interests, obviously it’s super espensive. These computers can do in one day calculations that classical computing would take ten years to do ( literally, there is no exaggeration ). So imagine whats gonna happen when this technology will be used for the development of new drugs and therapies. I might be a pessimist but I don’t really see breezula, samumed, follica, follicum, ecc helping in the long term a guy headed to higher norwoods. So it’s either hair cloning or some.new drug that will solve once and for all this atrocious disease.
Science and technology are so strictly connected that a giant leap in one can only push forward the other
Shia I disagree. Cb, follica, SM will def help early mpb balders who catch it early. This combo could bring strong maintenance and decent regrowth. Now if you are already nw4 or higher than this will not do much….maybe grow back a Norwood and stable but still need fue.
Yeah but at what cost? I am not enthusiast of having to put on my scalp multiple products everyday. I apply minoxidil everynight and I hate it, it’s a reminder that I got something wrong and I have to wash my hair every morning. You have to consider the distress it might cause. I’d rather just go for an Fue, hoping some sideless anti androgen in form of a pill eventually hits the market. Just my thought tho, as always I truly hope to be proven wrong and that these treatments show some.significant regrowth and mainteneance
Admin
Any updates on samumed? It’s long time now and there is no update. Is phase3 trial competed or still going on?
Still going on, yes. https://folliclethought.com/ultimate-guide-to-hair-regeneration/
Thanks Admin,
Now timeline bothers me a lot. Because, as per my dermatologist, any FDA approved treatment will take minimum 2 years to reach in India. And here there will be some additional approval process which will add more delay. Freaking me out 🙁
Gotta stay positive bro. The options were you either found out about a new (potentially) awesome drug to stop hair loss/regrow hair today or you didn’t. The fact that you did is a bonus and something to be appreciated. If you’re referring to Samumed approval, it will be out in Turkey before US which I believe is a lot closer to India so perhaps there will be a way to get it from there for you.
Possible.. Hoping for the best..
Thank you Admin.
Hair cloning has to come out soon I can’t wait anymore! I want hair so bad I’ve been waiting and taking fin for 3 years waiting and waiting and waiting it’s all talk! Just start the damn trials atleast! And if someone says we are still decades away I’m going to lose my sh#t I can’t take this AGA anymore and this is justified I’m not some guy with a Norwood 2 complaining about his hairline I’m a nw5 almost 6! Hurry up I don’t want to reach a 7!
And at this point I don’t care about the risks involved I will gladly sign up for stemson therapeutics clinical trial I’m not going to wait any longer
Great news! Thank you very much for the update
You’re welcome ba, thank you.
Woofy I’ve been waiting and disappointed since 2001. Get in line haha. Just get an fue buddy. It will be years before cloning comes out and if.
Woof, I agree with MJ. Don’t hold your hopes out for something that is light years away to materialize. Take action now, you’ll get control of the situation and you’ll feel better about yourself. Just being proactive makes one feel good as opposed to waiting for something to happen. Make it happen my boy!
here are those who see the future …. mjones and yoda !!!! surely you are collaborators of some cloning company ….. I doubt … given the latest updates that you are always denied !!!
Huh? 😉
Yoda you don’t understand right? surely you are someone who knows the future … I doubt … keep more than 60 years this is where you talk about cloning … lol
Reminds me of the title of that Bill Murray movie “Lost in Translation”…we’ll just call it the “Young Jet Effect”. 🙂
Mjones since I’m a nw5 younger then age 26 it’s not advised for a hair transplant and if I were to ever get a transplant I’m going to get FUT.
A little update on Replicel. In their most recent newsletter to investors, they gushed over the progress of their tendon repair and skin rejuvenation technologies, and oddly silent on any details concerning RCH-01, their treatment for MPB. Apparently Replicel and Shiseido are having a standoff, with Replicel considering litigation for Shiseido being in breach of contract for not turning over the data from their human dose-finding clinical trial in Japan. While they each take their time to strategize their next move — an odd position to be in when in an exclusive partnership with each other — Replicel has decided to move forward with Phase 2 trials outside of Asia, Shiseido’s territory. Since Phase 1 trials successfully concluded in Europe, it’s likely they will continue Phase 2 there as well. That’s about as detailed as they will get on the subject as they are likely treading lightly on the matter. Hopefully this all means they’re on track with their expectations on the treatment side.
@Scottie S. I thought that Shiseido released the data and it didnt work too well. Low impact but good p value. What are replicels hoping to do differently?
Unfortunately, the clinical trials will still be a decade battle. Insillico Medicine next goal is to simulate clinical trials so that we don’t need to test drugs for 10 years before FDA approval. It is very possible that somewhere in the 2030s, the process of discovering and testing a drug would take one year instead of 15-20 years as of today. The consequences would be huge indeed, not just for hair loss.
Once a drug is developed and ready for human trials it really is not necessary to take 10 years even if the majority of companies do. For example, Samumed completed a phase 2b trial within about 3.5 years (or close to that) after beginning a phase 1. Many people were impressed by the speed they were getting through the first few trials and this was simply due to the fact that they had the money for it. Then, they released the phase 2b results which were mostly disappointing. Since then, their progress has stagnated due to the fact they had to decide if they were going to invest money into a phase 3 trial for SM04554. They eventually decided they would, but would do it in Turkey for much cheaper since their drug is not a sure thing. And that’s where they are at. But, if that phase 2b trial in 2016 had turned great results it’s 99.9% certain Samumed would have immediately filled a phase 3 trial in the US (not Turkey) and we would be gearing up for drug approval right now. I’m just trying to share some perspective with some of you. When a drug really works and the company has funds, trials can go by in the timelines they should, which is within about 6 years.
Hope they don’t run into funding issues.
If their drug works there is basically no chance of funding issues, they are a hot company with a lot of interested parties already talking to them.
We need Jon Knight to hurry up and find a cell processing facility soon!
?
Hi everyone, can you tell me whether kintor is in discussions with EMA to bring their product to european market?
I’m not sure anyone but Kintor could know that just yet. I’m sure the idea is well on the radar of their business development team though, no worries.
What products is kintor bringing out? I can’t figure it out online
https://folliclethought.com/kintor-pharmaceuticals-furthers-baldness-treatment-drugs-in-us-and-china/
When do these phase 2 trials finish?
Next year I believe.
Does laser caps do any good in female androgenic alopecia
Gurvinder, likely nothing special but female hair loss tends to respond to some treatments the earlier it is addressed.
Update on Inventage Lab’s delayed release finasteride today 9/28 https://folliclethought.com/updates/
as always: thanks for the news, admin!
speaking of finasteride – has anybody heard any updates regarding almirall’s plans to release their topical finasteride solution? iirc they were intending to release it still in 2020?
the next months should also be interesting with regards to follica, weren’t they supposed to start phase 3 in q4 2020? this is one of the treatments i’m excited about, knowing that it won’t be a cure like hair cloning but i guess it could be quite helpful until a “final cure” comes along. admin, what’s your guess on when they will be commercially available if phase 3 goes as planned?
speaking of a cure (while also not trying to get my hopes up too high) which will probably take some years to be released but i’m watching stemson’s progress and it seems like they are doing quite well for themselves with the patent approval and the recently published news about allergan’s new funds.
Well its interesting to see they start Phase 1 in 2021 and plan market release in 2024 … so many other companies can do nothing in this short time. … Another example of a Company in Hair Loss industry coming from South Korea. They do very well!
John, did you see my recent email? Thanks
Hi admin First of all I want to thank you for your work, my question is if this type of treatment go through all the stages of the clinical trials?
Hi Tomeriko, it would be a drug that goes through all 3 stages of trials, and thanks for your gratitude.
Hi Chris,
What did he say ? Thanks.
Hi Admin
Do you have an update on Hairclone? Hopefuly it’s doing well!
Thanks
Hi Sam, nothing new to share at the moment. I think they are moving along, I bet they may have one more update before end of year.
Hi Chriz,
I’m very interested!! What Jon Knight said??
@FollicleThought did everything reopen for them to do whatever they needed to do?
If you’re referring to HairClone, yes they are in their lab again doing the cell research & processing.
@ John Doe, have you heard any thing new from Mane Biotech
They changed free offers to pre sale purchase on their website
@ Kapil, I did not hear anything new. But thanks for the hint I just subscribed to the presale as well. Looks like thinks are moving. Also nice to see the professional Advisers and which Partner and Supporter are involved. I have a good feeling / opinion about Mane.
Hi John, mane biotech replied to an email of mine two weeks ago. They stated they will be able to give a more precise timeframe on release late next year. I can send my correspondence to admin if needed.
I think Manchester, where Hairclone is based, has recently gone into a mini-lockdown (no households mixing) and might go into a full lockdown again. That could cause another big delay for Hairclone.We can only hope that their lab continues to stays open.
@ Paul_ire
So that means 2022?
@ Hi Kapil, yes it seems so and that would be the earliest timeframe too. I was reading online that they were planning to release next year so that’s why I asked the question.
Hairclones research is actually carried in the Birmingham Universities Biohub. It seems to still be open and the research continues.
Hopefully there will be a presentation regarding Hairclone in the virtual IHRS conference this month.
@ Paul_ire maybe some good news come from them
@ Kapil and Paul_ire … I think they plan to release a Prototype device asap next year. If you sign in and subscribe on the website you can apply for it by answering a survey.
@ Kapil, from my understanding from speaking to mane biotech briefly, it seems that there will be no product available in 2021 and they will update us Q4 2021 when they plan to release.
Hey guys what’s mane biotech working on? I must have missed somewhere, but never heard of them before.
Regarding hairclone I don’t really trust them, asking people to pay thousand eurls to bank follicles for a technology they might never achieve? C’mon man, that’s a lot to ask especially considering the hair loss industry history, but I obviously hope they deliver.
@Chriz I love everyone in here because we share the same trauma and I know how hard it is to cope with hair loss, but I think it’s the second time you play the “I got infos from tissuse” game. We obviously are interested, some of us, myself included, live for this stuff so just share buddy if you got something to say.
Take care everyone
Yoda was going to chime in when he read Chriz post but held my tongue. Very apparent, if it walks like a troll, looks like a troll and sounds like a troll, then it’s a troll. Would this person really have inside info. It’s obvious Chriz get his/her jollies out of the power he/she thinks they get out of toying with people’s emotions. I didn’t fall for it, but think the admin should ban this puke. Chriz, if I’m wrong send admin a screen shot of your correspondence with Jon Knight and I’ll eat my words.
I’ve been in touch with Jon Knight very recently, and so far there is no update to share. Of course the post from Chriz sounded like a troll, but if I delete it right off the bat he would have a chance to complain about the deletion. Thanks for the request to ban, will start with deleting the comment.
Thanks Admin, not a criticism just a suggestion form ole big mouth Yoda. You run a very tight ship! 🙂
Follicle thought check this out please https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200928125008.htm
Hi Woofy, interesting study I saw it yesterday. I may or may not put it in Updates. Studies like these done on mice are many years out from practical use and truly, the majority of them never progress into human research. Thank you for sharing, though.
you’re welcome ?
@admin
Regeus (gurus) on their new web claiming to have started FDA trial and NICI registration for Europe.Do you see any credibility? THANKS
Kapil, I would recommend you wait for results from the FDA trial. I’ve shared my views on this product a few times, but the trial will tell the tale.
https://gurus.bio/gur-701
This is the link
Jon Knight told me that he will start the SHT trial soon. They will test 5 men and 1 woman. He is very optimistic and said after 2 months After the trial starts they wold know if SHT works. They need 1 year after initiation of the trial for safety. After that they are able to commercialize
Chriz, could you forward that email to me? I’ll get in touch through the email you used on the comment form.
I can’t post that e-Mail because it is secret information of Jon Knight. I don’t want to risk the relationship to him with posting the original mail.
He said they will begin trials soon
What is soon? Before the end of the year? This month? In 5 years? I hope this is true, I know a lot of people have high hopes for this treatment.
I am sorry I only can tell you what Jon Knight was telling me. He said they are in negotiations with an CPC and that they will begin trials soon if it comes to an agreement. I only can assume it will start Q4 2020 however there is no guarantee for that.
Sure it is, super duper double secret information that some random knucklehead form the internet is privy to. What other companies does the illustrious Chriz have top secret info to? Yoda is hanging on your every word, you seem like a very important troll…I mean person! Go back under the rock from whence you came!
chriz no offense but don’t post a comment like that without proof. give the info/PROOF to follicle thought please this a serious comment you have made. If you don’t give the intel then we will assume you are a troll and i guess only time will tell if you were ever right. its not secret info the only reason its “secret” is because YOU want it to be lol you even said it. if john thought it was sooooo secret why the hell would he tell you? a random person on the internet.
Woofy contact with me jan.miedza@o2.pl
Will hair cloning cause cancer?
al.budny you’re jan? i’m sure emailing you will do much we can just talk on here or youtube or if you have reddit i’m also on there as well.
yes Woofy this is jan, come on send me email i am a normal person, just want talk with You
This is getting weird! 🙁
Sorry Jan, if you want to talk private with me I’d prefer you message me on Reddit. I don’t really message through emails. My Reddit is u/tenniskid16
ok Woofy:)
tissuse is at least 3 years away inJapan
Any news about Sttemson therapeutics trial >?
No news on a Stemson trial of course, could happen in late 2021, I’d say.
Hey admin I noticed histogen stock price is 1.76 a share. They were at 60 bucks back in 2016. That can’t be a good sign for the business. Do you know if they are going to be bought out by another company? Anybody good with stocks and valuations on this forum?
Hi Mjones, the stock from 2016 was a different company, not Histogen. Histogen merged with Conatus to become publicly traded, keep an eye on their stock price if/when this current trial announces positive results.
https://28thannual.org/
Yeah they did a reverse split which is why the charts you are looking at have it at $60.
Like admin says it is a speculative play on the trial results for now. I wouldn’t touch it before. If there are good results obv. Us follicle thought hardcores will be like the first people on the news lol except for insiders. I might buy some then as a moon shoot in my portfolio. We al know the potential $$$$ out there for something that actually works..
Replicel still such garbage they need to get those initial injectors sold ASAP. Should have sold after bad RCH-01 results but loss aversion bias took over. Like I said previously I think 0 likely soon based on latest SEDAR / EDGAR filings and horrible balance sheet. Hoping Lee pulls a rabbit out of his a♤♤ in next few months but I doubt it.
JC
Admin what is their current stock symbol name? Is it HSTO?
Yes, I’m pretty sure.
There will be an interview thursday on Youtube with Alexey Terskikh (Stemson).
Maybe we’ll get some interesting infos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5trLFA0S-c
John Martin I am thinking of buying some stock ahead of the results in December. I am sure they will have similar to better results from the original hst in 2012. Those results on it’s own were very good. If you drop a small amount like $1k worth of stock at 1.75 a share you are buying it at its lowest. Worst case you lose 1k. If it goes up to 10 bucks a share that’s an easy 10k profi . What do you think?
I‘m no expert in investing but definitely worth a shot – I had the exact same thought.
I expect great results from Histogen.
Better formula, 3 injections instead of 1 – if it’s just slightly better than in 2012 it‘s already a huge success. If it’s much better, then we have a new leader in the race and then I suspect Allergan to take over the rights again immediately.
I would say do it now!
Results are q4 2020 apparently. If it’s good, I dont why a company would hold back. The money they could back could be incredible
Mjones…the high roller! 🙂
is Tsuji’s technology is ready for human trials?
Ben how much you thinking of dropping on histogen?
It all depends on your financial situation I would say. If you have 3000 USD available which you definitely don’t need and you are willing to loose it all, then do it. It is still a high speculation. But, the right timing to speculate. After a possible great result of the trial, it might skyrocket.
I’m not dropping anything, as my economical situation is very volatile due to Corona.
Yoda if I am going to be bald might as well make some money along the way with histogen lol
If this AI found a new drug to help treat hair loss I hope Its safe, effective and affordable.