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• ELECTROINCORPORATION - THE LATEST IN TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY MECHANISMS

• HairSite Editorial - 4/28/98

• Genetronics Biomedical Ltd. 12/16/97 Press Release

• TSE Publishing, Inc.  HairSite@aol.com

One of the biggest problem with topical hair loss treatments is the delivery mechanism. Some have suggested that the outer skin on the scalp maybe too thick for some topical pharmaceuticals to penetrate and as a result, many topical lotions are only marginally effective in reaching deep down to the hair follicles. For example, some people are using Retin-A in association with Minoxidil hoping that the exfoliating actions of Retin-A will enhance Minoxidil's penetration. Besides Retin-A, there are Minox-Mate and the DeYarman System which are also intended to enhace the effectiveness of Minoxidil by focusing on the delivery mechanism.

The focus on the effectivenss of transdermal delivery mechanism heightened when Genetronics Biomedical Ltd. announced at the International Conference on Transdermal Drug Delivery in December 1997 that they have developed the prototype for a hand-held transdermal device for quick and efficient delivery of pharmaceuticals or genes. According to Genetronics, the skin outer layer can be a highly protective barrier against any kinds of chemical penetrations. As a result, transdermal delivery of pharmaceuticals have been limited to potent drugs that naturally penetrate the skin. Large molecules, synthetic drugs, peptides and proteins etc. have proven much more difficult to penetrate via traditional transdermal delivery methods.

The transdermal device developed by Genetronics uses "electroincorporation" to enhance delivery of pharmaceuticals or genes through the outer layer of skin. It involves using pulsed electric fields to transport drugs and genes into the skin for topical or systemic delivery. Liposomes, microspheres, and biodegradable particles are the most effective formulations to use in association with "electroincorporation".

Genetronics' "electroincorporation" technology has enormous implications for hair loss treatment. If proven successful, the technology can significantly enhance the effectiveness of any kinds of topical treatment for hair loss, such as Minoxidil, Crinagen, Retin-A etc. It may also be a crucial factor in perfecting "gene therapy" for hair loss since any kinds of "gene therapy" would require an effective delivery mechanism.

Genetronics is currently conducting human trials at the University of California at San Diego Pain Management Center.