Topical Exosomes for Hair Growth

In 2019 when I first discussed exosomes for hair growth, most doctors were injecting them into the scalp. Recently, I also discussed the rarer intravenous (IV) delivery of exosomes to tackle hair loss. Now I look at the topical application of exosome serums into the scalp, due to three such new products being in recent news.

Note that some injectable products from exosome suppliers to the hair loss market can also be applied topically. The method of delivery will depend on your doctor’s or clinic’s preference.

Calecim (PTT-6) Advanced Hair System with Topical Exosomes

Calecim PTT- 6 Topical Exosomes
Calecim (PTT- 6) Advanced Hair System: Topical Exosomes and Growth Factors for Hair Growth.

Recently, HairClone (UK) announced a partnership in which the company will work with an interesting new exosome containing topical product called Calecim Advanced Hair System (that comes with a Derma Stamp).

Edit: The manufacturer has now given blog readers a 15% off discount code HLC2020 for purchases of the Advanced Hair System kit. And from November 8 to December 2, every purchase of the Advanced Hair System kit will get a FREE Advanced Hair System 2x5ml OR Restorative Hydration Cream 1x50g. Save up to $195!

This Calecim product includes PTT-6®, which contains over 3,000 proteins, including growth factors, cytokines and exosomes that signal cells to regenerate.

PTT-6 is derived from the secretion of cord lining stem cells isolated from the umbilical cord tissues of New Zealand red deer at birth. No deer is harmed during the extraction and harvest process of this rich source of stem cells.

Calecim Dermastamp
Calecim Dermastamp Included.

The full list of ingredients is PTT-6® and cord lining conditioned media (from stem cell derived fibronectins, glycoproteins, albumin, collagens and hyaluronic acid).

This Calecim topical serum is to be used with an included Derma Stamp for better absorption. A lot people underetrake at-home microneedling for similar reasons. This includes via dermarollers or dermapens or dermastamps.

Elevai Exosomes Combined with Yuva Biosciences Mitochondrial Technology

Elevai Topical Exosomes
Elevai Topical Exosomes for Hair Growth.

Elevai Labs (US) recently gave a positive update regarding the company’s topical Elevai “age zero” Exosomes™ product range for hair loss. In a year-long study that the company conducted, patients who used Elevai empower™ exosomes in combination with in-office microneedling saw favorable results. The company also makes Elevai enfinity™ for at-home use in repairing your skin.

The 12-month results were assessed using imaging analysis and showed a cessation in crown inflammation, a reversal of miniaturized hairs, and a recovery of hairs from the dormant resting phase. the still on-going research study is being conducted in partnership with Carly Klein, president of the National Hair Loss Medical Aesthetics (NHLMA).

Note that I previously also discussed Elevai in my post on Yuva Biosciences and BosleyMDs new hair loss product related to mitochondrial upregulation. Yuva is partnering with Elevai to release a hair loss product that will combine Elevai’s proprietary PREx™ exosome technology with Yuva’s Y100™ mitochondrial technology. The two companies jointly filed for a combination patent in August 2024.

Ultimately, Elevai is developing a new hair and scalp care product line, called “Elevai S-Series Root Renewal System” that will be powered by exosomes and mitochondrial technology. According to company CEO Dr. Jordan R. Plews, they are in the process of conducting a follow-on study. This will further analyze the combination of Elevai exosomes and Yuva’s Y100 mitochondrial technology to address hair loss and thinning concerns.

ExoCelBio Evovex Serum

Another company that makes a line of topical exosomes is ExoCelBio (US) via its Evovex serum. The company website says that these exosomes are derived from the chorion of placental mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs). Their Exovex™ serum Refine brand was launched in 2023 and has a concentration level of 75 billion exosomes per vial. Refine employs a high concentration of non-lyophilized, purified exosomes that results in fuller and stronger hair.

In May 2024, the US FDA sent a violation warning letter to ExoCelBio in relation to the company’s marketing and lack of a biologics license. This is not surprising, considering the new stricter FDA guidelines governing exosome products. In the US, exosomes are regulated as both a drug and a biologic. In Europe, you are not even allowed to use human-derived exosomes to treat hair loss.

Energenesis AMPK Activator ENERGI-F701

ENERGI-F701 vs Regaine (Minoxidil).
Energenesis ENERGI-F701 vs Regaine (Minoxidil). Hair growth comparison.

I first heard about Energenesis Biomedical (Taiwan) in 2018 via formerly highly active Japanese hair loss blogger Fuji Maru. The company was working on a new hair loss treatment called ENERGI-F701.

Energenesis AMPK Activator ENERGI-F701

The company’s technology revolves around the AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme. By enhancing the activity of AMPK, ENERGI-F701 supposedly boosts the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels of human follicle dermal papilla cells (DPCs). This in turn slows down hair follicle aging and prolongs the hair cycle.

Interestingly, metformin and rapamycin both impact autophagy via inhibiting mTOR and AMPK signaling. Both drugs are being heavily studied for potential human longevity benefits.

According to the company, ENERGI-F701 is also able to counter the negative effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) upon hair growth. This is per animal studies.

In 2018, Energenesis launched a Phase II clinical trial (NCT03351322) for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) at several medical centers in Taiwan. They would use a topical solution of ENERGI-F701. In 2019, they announced completion of target patient enrollment.

In May 2023, Energenesis Biomedical released a study in which they concluded that ENERGI-F701 solution was more effective in treating FPHL without initial hair shedding in comparison to Regaine® 2% minoxidil solution. Moreover, at 12 weeks:

  • ENERGI-F701 increased hair counts from 80.8 hairs/cm2 to 92.9 hairs/cm2.
  • Regaine increased hair count from 90.1 hairs/cm2 to 101.9 hairs/cm2.
  • ENERGI-F701 caused a greater increases in the mean hair density and hair thickness compared to topical minoxidil 2%

However, during the past few years, the company has not announced anything on its news page about this product. I was therefore not planning to write this post for the time being.

However, I then happened to come across a 2024 video presentation from the company. In there, they discuss ENERGI-F701 and its possible future release as a cosmetic product (screenshot and video both below). And as in the earlier mentioned study, they show the results to be superior to minoxidil (Rogaine).

Energenesis ENERGI-F701 AMPK Activator.
Energenesis Biomedical (Taiwan)’s ENERGI-F701 AMPK Activator.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Interestingly, I have mentioned ATP a few times on this blog.

  • One of the way’s in which minoxidil works to grow hair is via the agonistic affects on adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels.
  • The light energy from laser hair growth devices increases production of ATP. This in turn releases nitric oxide and boosts energy levels and oxygenation in hair follicles.
  • The most popular hair loss shampoo in Japan is based on Adenosine and is called Shiseido Adenovital. The ingredient adenosine is itself very popular in Japan as a hair growth promoter.
  • Some hair transplant surgeons use liposomal ATP spray after hair transplants in order to aid healing and graft survival.

A number of scientists have also found that longevity is associated with higher ATP levels.