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A cure is what we're working toward. Here's where we are.

AAAF is dedicated to supporting research into Alopecia Areata. We have provided a range of grants and supported studies into both the medical and psychological impact of this condition. Research is the way we can actively find a cure for Alopecia Areata.

AAAF is looking for research projects. Please contact chel@aaaf.org.au for more information on how to apply.
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Research Partner Information

Clinical Research

Clinical research involves volunteers who participate in studies that help advance medical knowledge. These studies may include:
+ Clinical trials: which evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and therapies.
+ Genetic studies: which examine how a person's genes may influence the development of a disorder.
+ Epidemiological studies: which investigate the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease in populations.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are a vital step in developing safe and effective medical treatments. Before a treatment reaches the clinical trial stage, it undergoes extensive laboratory and preclinical testing to determine whether it is suitable for evaluation in people.

Clinical trials are essential for discovering new medications, therapies, and potentially a cure for Alopecia Areata.
By participating in a clinical trial, you contribute to the advancement of research and the development of improved treatments for Alopecia Areata. Choosing to participate is a personal decision and should be made after discussing the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider and people you trust.

Participation in a clinical trial is always voluntary. You may choose to withdraw at any time if you have concerns or decide that the potential risks outweigh the benefits.
Find all current registered ethical trials

Trials & Research

Clinical trials for new Alopecia Areata treatment options are currently running in Australia. AAAF will share updates as they become available. Be sure to register to sign up for newsletter updates.
Find all current registered ethical trials

Alopecia Areata is driven by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and is reversed by JAK inhibition

Professor Angela Christiano from the Columbia University Medical Centre discovered the genetic basis of alopecia areata, the most common auto-immune disease in humans. Published in the scientific jour...
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AAAF along with Sinclair Dermatology ran a 28 week study (starting in June 2015) on the treatment of Alopecia Areata with topical Janus kinase (JAK) Inhibitors.

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of topical JAK inhibitors ruxolitinib ointment, tofacitinib ointment, versus clobetasol diproprionate ointment and placebo.
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Systematic Review of the efficacy, safety and management considerations for tofacitinib – JAK Inhibitor use in Dermatology.

Findings of most interest to individuals with Alopecia Areata include “Evidence for tofacitinibs’ efficacy in AA is stronger than for currently used systemics, which have not been subject to prospecti...
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The Cost to Government and Disutility of Alopecia Areata and an Investigator-Initiated, Placebo-controlled, Clinical Trial Investigating the Efficacy of Two Treatments for Alopecia Areata.

This study aimed to quantify the effectiveness of treatments for alopecia areata. We aim to use this data to support future applications for government contribution to treatments for Alopecia Areata, ...
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Road Map for diagnosis - Treatment of Alopecia Areata: An Australian expert consensus statement

he purpose of this consensus statement is to outline a treatment algorithm for AA, including the indications for systemic treatment, appropriate choice of systemic treatment, satisfactory outcome meas...
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Utility of azathioprine methotrexate and cyclosporine as steroid sparing agents in chronic alopecia areata: A retrospective study of continuation rates in 138 patients

This study explores some of the systemic therapy options for treating chronic Alopecia Areata.
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The social, psychological, and economic burden of alopecia areata on adolescents and adults over the age of twelve-survey and questionnaire

The study is investigating the socio-economic burden of Alopecia Areata (AA) on adolescents, adults, and their caregivers/partners. This analysis will be used to generate Quality-Adjusted Life Years, ...
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Systemic Treatment of Moderate to Severe Alopecia Areata in Adults: Updated Australian Expert Consensus Statement involving JAK’s

Treatment algorithms were developed to guide clinical decision-making in alopecia areata (AA), incorporating current evidence, clinical experience and key disease characteristics. Two separate algorit...
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SECURE-Alopecia – Database for confirmed COVID-19 cases with a form of Alopecia.

A global network of alopecia specialists has coordinated to create a patient registry, called SECURE-Alopecia. This database seeks to collect information about whether some common treatments for alope...
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National Library of Medicine

Alopecia Areata clinical trial for adolescent age 6-18, evaluating the safety and efficacy of Baricitinib.
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AbbVie/Upadacitinib Study

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Amlitelimab Monotherapy Compared With Placebo in Adult Participants With Severe Alopecia Areata.
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How we partner

We collaborate with your organisation directly to advance research and facilitate innovation in the understanding of Alopecia Areata and its impact.
University Research Centres
Collaborating with leading academics and academic institutions
Medical Practitioners & Practices
We collaborate directly with practices
Pharmaceutical companies
Supporting clinical trials and drug development
Partnerships

Partnering with AAAF for research

Partnering with the AAAF means joining forces to drive change for the estimated 500,000 Australians living with Alopecia Areata. Together, we can advance research that not only pushes the boundaries of clinical treatment but also genuinely improves the lives of patients and their families.
When considering a research partnership, the AAAF looks for:
+ Direct Community Impact: Research that improves the day-to-day quality of life for those affected by Alopecia Areata.
+ Holistic Study Scope: Studies that investigate not just clinical treatments, but also the social, economic, and mental health burdens of the disease.
+ Active Participant Connection: Partners who can actively recruit volunteers for clinical trials and share updates transparently with the patient community.
+ Research Focus: Research focused on clinical therapeutics or psychosocial impacts.
Become a partner today
If you're curious about participating in a research trial, here are a few FAQs to consider

FAQ

There are a lot of questions to consider or ask before partaking in a trial; here are some of our go to ones:
What is the purpose of the trial?
What kind of treatments and tests are involved in the trial?
Have similar studies already been done and what were the results
What are the possible risks or side effects of this treatment?
How will my medical information and privacy be protected?
How long will the trial last?
Is there a chance I will receive placebo, and if so, will the new treatment be given should it prove to be better than current treatments?
If I benefit from this therapy, will I be allowed to continue receiving it after the trial ends? At a cost or no cost?
Will I be allowed to take my regular medications while participating in the trial?
Will I receive compensation for clinical trial participation? e.g., for travel expenses.
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