PTH / PTHrP, Emu Oil and T3 Questions For Dr. Holick - 1st Draft 

1) Question from Tim
Does it matter whether we use human vs animal PTH / PTHrP (7-34) to induce hair growth in humans ? Is it possible that our immune system will recognize animal PTH/PTHrP (7-34) as a foreign substance and produce antibodies to eliminate it from our bodies. Will there be any harm for humans to use animal PTH/PTHrP (7-34)?

2) Question from Curly / g / The Man
What are some of the possible side effects associated with topical application of PTH (7-34) / PTHrP (7-34)? Is the drug systemically absorbed through the skin? What is the possibility that PTHrP related peptides will cause bone loss or even osteosarcoma if administered topically. This has been seen in animal models, but it appears that the human has an presently unknown binding substance in the body that inactivates PTHrP in systemic circulation. Is that true ? Also, any chance that this PTH (7-34) / PTHrP (7-34) will induce tumor growth?

3) Question from g / HairSite / Hardwo0D
Does it matter whether people use PTH (7-34) or PTHrP (7-34) to induce hair growth? Some suggested that PTHrP (7-34) will be more effective since they are the smaller peptide and will be better absorbed into follicle. Can you comment on that ? Also, what is the amount of topical PTH (7-34) or PTHrP (7-34) necessary on a daily basis to induce hair growth in humans and how long should the treatment be continued ? How soon can someone expect to see results?

4) Question from The Man
It appears that all of the PTH / PTHrP studies in mice were given systemic injections. Are PTH (7-34) / PTHrP (7-34) antagonists topically viable in standard vehicles or are there penetration or metabolism issues? Do you recommend people using emu oil or other topical agents as vehicles to deliver the peptide topically? Do you think emu oil alone can help men and women with AGA?

5) Question from The Man / UK
Who would be the ideal candidate for this drug (eg: age and extent of hair loss etc) ?  Will it be effective for people who already have significant hair loss? Can the treatment benefit women with AGA or Telogen Effluvium? 

6) Question from Kevlar
PTH/PTHrP receptor agonists and antagonists are both mentioned in your patent for emu oil and hair growth. You mentioned that the antagonists force the follicle into anagen where as the agonists prematurely set it to telogen. The antagonists would therefore seem like the perfect hair loss cure. However, you also mention that the agonists in chemotherapy patients caused telogen as predicted but allowed for the restoration of a full head of hair much quicker than without the PTHrP agonist, possibly due to the initiation of a new cycle for the follicle. Have you done any recent research to show whether or not the agonist or antagonist would be better for those of us that suffer AGA, and do you have any clinical data to show how effective your emu oil and PTHrP (agonist or antagonist) worked in vivo?

7) Question from NN / The Man
We have read about about a certain clinical trial using PTH / PTHrP several years ago. Can you give us an update on the clinical trials? Based on existing data, do you think if PTH (7-34) / PTHrP (7-34) is as effective as Propecia or Rogaine? When might one expect this to be available to the consumers as a hair loss treatment? Do you still accept applicants for the clinical trials? If so, how does one register as a test subject?

8) Question from g
Do you think Topical Triiodothyronine (T3) would be an effective treatment for hair loss in humans? How does T3 work in stimulating epidermal proliferation, dermal thickening and hair growth in mice? Will T3 work on both men and women with AGA? In your opinions, how much topical T3 is necessary on a daily basis to induce hair growth in humans?

9) Question from Brian: Accutane Victim

This is just a draft. If you would like to add or amend any of the above questions, please post in the 
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