It is estimated that Alopecia Areata affects approximately 100,000 people within the UK population. There is currently no cure for the condition and no generally accepted proven therapy. Furthermore, available treatments often come with side effects and are not very effective at re-growing hair.
Dithranol has been used for many years as a treatment for psoriasis and research suggests it may also be an effective treatment for Alopecia Areata. However its use as an Alopecia treatment has been hindered by the localised side effects the drug produces; users have sometimes complained of scalp irritation, staining of the skin and clothes, and an unpleasant odour.
This study aims to test the safety, efficacy & dose response characterisation of a new form of Dithranol/ProSilic (STSO1) which uses a technology that promotes slower release over a longer period, which may reduce the likelihood of these side effects. STSO1 will be administered topically, once daily, to affected scalp areas for 6 months, in patients who have mild to moderate Alopecia Areata.