New Topical Treatment in Patchy Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic immune disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss of the scalp or other hair-bearing areas Patients with AA frequently report high levels of dissatisfaction with commonly used treatment options due to ineffectiveness and adverse effects. Therefore, a substantial unmet need exists for safe and effective treatments for patients with AA. Metformin is a derivative of biguanide that is the most widely used as an oral antihyperglycemic agent for the control of diabetes mellitus. The main mechanism of action for metformin involves enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing gluconeogenesis, and promoting the absorption of glucose in muscles.

In addition to its hypoglycemic effect, metformin can serve as an anti-inflammatory agent.Statins are hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly used for their lipid-lowering properties to lower cholesterol levels and treat cardiovascular disease, but they also possess powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Simvastatin belongs to the statin family. Lately, Simvastatin is utilized in treatment of several dermatological diseases. It showed efficacy in treatment of psoriasis , vitiligo, xanthomas, atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris.

This study is considered as the first study to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of of topical therapy of metformin 30 %; simvastatin 2 %; and betamethasone valerate 0.1 % in treatment of patients with patchy alopecia areata.