Evaluating the Efficacy of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Exosome (ADSCE) in Treating Androgenetic Hair Loss: An Open-Label Clinical Trial

Volume 15 , Issue 2 , December 2025 , Pages 204-213

Authors

Mariwan Saber Omar 1 ; Mohammed Yousif Saeed 1

1 Department of Clinical Science, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

DOI logo 10.17656/jsmc.10504

Keywords

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common form of hair loss with limited effective treatments. Adipose-derived stem cell exosomes (ADSCE) have emerged as a novel regenerative therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ADSCE compared to standard minoxidil treatment in patients with AGA.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 90 adult patients with AGA were assigned to receive either intradermal ADSCE injections or topical minoxidil 5% men and 2% for women for 12 weeks. Hair diameter and count were measured at baseline and at five follow-up visits using Trichoscopy (SIF PRO) and digital image analysis. Patient satisfaction and adverse events were also assessed.

Results: Both groups showed improvement in hair diameter and count over time, but the ADSCE group demonstrated significantly greater increases at each follow-up (final visit: hair diameter 88.8 ± 15.6 μm vs. 74.2 ± 23.3 μm, p ≤ 0.001; hair count 28.5 ± 5.8 vs. 19.8 ± 10.4 (in 12μm of area)  p ≤ 0.001). Patient satisfaction was higher in the ADSCE group (97.8% "very satisfied" vs. 33.3% in the minoxidil group, p ≤ 0.001). Mild pain and localized swelling were more common in the ADSCE group, but no serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion: ADSCE therapy is more effective than minoxidil in improving hair density and diameter in AGA, with high patient satisfaction and an acceptable safety profile. ADSCE represents a promising alternative for AGA management.

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  • First online21 December 2025
  • Published at21 December 2025

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