Basic Concepts and Clinical Application of Regenerative Medicine for Hair Loss Using Human Cells and Tissues

Abstract

Momentum toward the practical use of regenerative medicine in Japan has accelerated, with new laws and other policy measures enacted by the government. In the case of hair follicle regeneration, building on the findings of basic research using human tissues and cells, clinical research studies on autologous cell-based therapy for hair loss are ready to be conducted. In this article, we review the latest trends in cell-based clinical research on hair loss treatments, including the use of dermal sheath cup cells (DSCC), the mesenchymal cells of the hair follicle believed to have hair-inductive ability. We also outline legislation and requirements for cell processing facilities (CPC) needed for clinical application.