We learn how Kerastem tackles male and female pattern hair loss

Kerastem is a device designed to treat the early stage of male and female pattern hair loss (Norwood scale I-III in men and I-II in women). It can restore the hair cycle by stimulating the niche of hair follicles with autologous fat enriched with adipose derived regenerative cells, also known as stromal vascular fraction (SVF).

Adipocyte lineage cells support the stem cell niche and help drive the complex hair growth cycle. Adipose-derived regenerative cells are a heterogeneous group of non-cultured cells that can be reliably extracted from adipose by using automated systems, and these cells work largely via paracrine mechanisms to support adipocyte viability.

During the hair follicle growth (anagen phase) cycle, the hair follicle delves deep into the rich dermal macroenvironment as it matures, where it is surrounded by large lipid-filled adipocytes. These intradermal adipocytes regenerate with faster kinetics than other adipose tissue depots. Such growth mirrors the hair cycle, suggesting an interplay between hair follicle cells and adipocytes. It has already been established that the adipocyte is an integral part of the normal hair cycle, and it is hypothesised that telogen (resting phase) may be due to an absence of adipose tissue. Hair loss and decreased adipocytes have been described to occur simultaneously. Therefore, the transplantation of adipose tissue, or autologous fat transfer (AFT), into the subcutaneous layer of fat in the scalp would stimulate the hair follicles in the scalp, and subsequently help overcome the problems of hair loss.

During treatment, approximately 250mls of fat is harvested from the patient. 50ml of the harvested fat is processed through a 50mls Puregraft bag to provide 5mls of optimised fat.

We firmly believe that this is an innovative, scientifically proven treatment… and will be a powerful treatment modality in the armamentarium for the treatment of hair loss

The remaining 200mls of harvested fat is processed through the Kerastem system, providing 5mls of adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRC). The 5mls of optimised fat is injected subcutaneously, followed by 5mls of ADRCs intradermally.

Mr Olivier Amar, a London plastic surgeon and UK ambassador for Kerastem in the south of England, said: “Kerastem hair therapy is a regenerative medicine-based approach to hair growth. Early hair loss represents a significant unmet medical need and the Kerastem therapy is a one-time treatment that utilises adipose (fat) derived regenerative cells delivered to the affected area of the scalp. It is mostly effective in patients in the early stages of hair loss. The safety, efficiency and tolerability of the Kerastem hair therapy has been demonstrated in high quality scientific studies.

“We firmly believe that this is an innovative, scientifically proven treatment in the management of early hair loss, and will be a powerful treatment modality in the armamentarium for the treatment of hair loss. We were very pleased to present the Kerastem hair therapy at The British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery’s (BAHRS) annual meeting in March, particularly as it generated a lot of interest from the distinguished members of the audience”. AM