The Erlangen-based start-up Mallia Aesthetics, winner of the 2021 m4 Award, has launched two cosmetic products for hair loss. These are the first products to promote hair growth based on the immunomodulatory mechanism of action of sCD83.
The global market for hair growth products has been growing for years, and the demand for effective solutions is high. Hormone-related hair loss in men and women (androgenetic alopecia or AGA) is the most common form of hair loss. Worldwide, more than 70% of men and 50% of women beyond menopause are affected by androgenetic alopecia. Another 147 million people suffer from immune-related, circular hair loss.
However, only two active ingredients with scientifically proven efficacy are currently available for treatment. These have considerable side effects and disadvantages, however, including the loss of effect after even a short interruption in therapy. The team led by Mallia co-founder Prof. Alexander Steinkasserer has developed a new active ingredient based on a soluble form of the CD83 molecule for the topical treatment of hormone-related hair loss. While conducting research on arthritis, Steinkasserer and his team discovered by chance that CD83 regulates inflammation, promotes wound healing, and activates hair follicles.
The naturally occurring, soluble form of the human protein CD83 is said to induce an anti-inflammatory environment in the hair follicles by acting on regulatory T cells (Tregs), which interact with the follicular stem cells and thereby activate hair growth. Furthermore, sCD83 binds directly to the follicular stem cells and stimulates the formation of new hair follicles there. In this way, sCD83 not only prevents hair loss and accelerates hair growth, but also stimulates the growth of new hair.
Both products from Mallia Aesthetics are based on MAL-838. This soluble form of the protein CD83 (sCD83), developed specifically by Mallia, acts directly on the hair root and is designed to visibly support hair density, hair structure, and the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows. Topical application means that the effect remains localized, which is a decisive advantage over systemic therapies.
Both products are available in the EU via the new 8T3.com web shop.
Mallia now combines its activities in two specialized areas under Mallia Innovations GmbH: While Mallia Aesthetics focuses on the development and marketing of cosmetic applications based on MAL-838, Mallia Therapeutics concentrates on the clinical development of biopharmaceutical therapies for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata (active ingredient MAL-856).
In 2021, Mallia won the pre-seed competition m4 Award coordinated by BioM. With this award, the Free State of Bavaria supports academic teams with spin-off potential. The m4 Award is presented every two years with 2.5 million euros to five teams to promote spin-offs.