Clinical studies in lichen planopilaris

Lichen planopilaris is a complex disease in which unmet medical needs still exist. Response to available options may vary, and continued research is needed to improve control of inflammation and limit the progression of scarring alopecia.

Thanks to clinical studies, it is possible to:

• Evaluate the efficacy and safety of new therapeutic alternatives.
• Gain deeper insight into the inflammatory and immune mechanisms involved.
• Study options for people with active or difficult-to-control disease.
• Improve methods for assessing disease activity and therapeutic response.
• Identify which profiles may respond better to specific strategies.
• Analyze the impact of the disease on quality of life.

Recent research in scarring alopecias is studying new inflammatory pathways and treatments designed to reduce the clinical and molecular activity of the disease.

These advances contribute to generating medical knowledge and may help provide better management options for people with lichen planopilaris in the future.

Clinical studies in lichen planopilaris may investigate:

• New options to control perifollicular inflammation.
• Treatments aimed at reducing itching, pain and stinging.
• Strategies designed to stabilize the progression of hair loss.
• Alternatives for people with insufficient response to previous treatments.
• New systems for measuring disease activity.

Participation requirements may vary depending on the specific project and may include factors such as:

• Age.
• Confirmation of the diagnosis.
• Current disease activity.
• Intensity of itching, pain or stinging.
• Inflammatory signs present on the scalp.
• Evolution of lichen planopilaris.
• Treatments used previously.
• General health status.

Meeting the initial criteria does not guarantee inclusion in the study. Participation must be assessed and confirmed by the research team.

Before deciding whether you would like to receive information about participating in a clinical study, it is important to consider the following:

• Participation is voluntary.
• You may withdraw at any time without this affecting your usual medical care.
• Investigational treatments do not guarantee an individual clinical benefit.
• Response may vary from one person to another.
• Treatments under study may involve risks or side effects.
• All clinical trials are regulated and supervised by health authorities and independent ethics committees.
• Before participating, you will receive detailed information about the study, visits, tests and potential risks.

Our team is available to provide you with all the information you need in a clear, confidential and transparent manner before you decide whether you would like to participate.

Does participating in a clinical study involve any cost?

No. Treatments, visits and medical assessments directly related to the study are usually covered by the sponsor.

What does it mean to have active lichen planopilaris?

It means that there are signs or symptoms indicating that inflammation is still present. These may include redness or scaling around the follicles, itching, pain, tenderness or stinging.

In the study announced by ICMR, the presence of inflammation, itching, pain or stinging of moderate to high intensity is initially considered.

Is it necessary to have lost a specific amount of hair?

Not necessarily. Participation does not depend only on the extent of hair loss. The research team may also assess inflammatory activity, symptoms, disease course and other criteria established in the protocol.

Can lost hair grow back?

The aim of treatment is usually to control inflammation and limit progression. When the follicle has already been replaced by scar tissue, hair loss may be permanent. However, each case should be assessed individually by a dermatologist.

What safety measures are in place?

Clinical trials follow protocols approved by ethics committees and regulatory authorities. During the study, participants receive medical follow-up, and both safety and treatment response are assessed continuously.

What happens if I want to leave the study?

You can withdraw from the study at any time, without having to give a reason and without it affecting your future medical care.

How is my personal data protected?

Medical and personal information is treated confidentially and in accordance with current data protection regulations.

Does meeting the general criteria guarantee participation?

No. The published criteria provide initial guidance, but the research team must assess each case and confirm that all requirements established in the protocol are met.

Where can I get more information?

If you would like to learn more about the clinical studies in lichen planopilaris conducted at ICMR Research, you can contact our team confidentially:

• Through the contact form on our website.
• Through the pre-screening questionnaire.
• By emailing us at info@icmrresearch.com.
• By requesting information through the ICMR phone line.

We will respond to your questions in a personalized manner, always respecting your privacy and your right to decide freely.