Can we prompt hair to grow?

It began with a baby’s hairy skin mole. Maksim Plikus noticed that the hair growing from an infant’s mole wasn’t the typical peach fuzz common with babies, but that the hair was long and thick like an adult.

Scientists have been puzzled for decades about why hair follicles begin or stop growing hair. And like any inquisitive scientist, Plikus didn’t let oddities rest. The professor of developmental and cell biology in the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences dedicated a decade to investigating why a baby’s skin mole (called a congenital melanocytic nevus) can grow thick, long hair. Eventually, Plikus found his answer: signaling molecules from senescent pigment cells. His research, which has been published in the journal Nature, has been hailed as an “incredible UC research breakthrough.”

Recognizing the impact his discovery could make, Plikus teamed up with industry experts to form Amplifica, a biopharmaceutical startup based on his research. Amplifica develops novel treatments for the most common form of hair loss, called androgenetic alopecia or testosterone-driven hair loss. The startup is poised to alter the lives of the estimated 80 million Americans with androgenetic alopecia.

Already, Amplifica is achieving early success.

In 2024, Amplifica announced that its first clinical trial was a success. Just one treatment with AMP-303, the company’s injectable solution, significantly increased the number of thicker, darker hairs on the scalp of participants with androgenetic alopecia. These promising effects lasted for at least 150 days, even in areas that are typically difficult to treat, such as the front and sides of the scalp. The trial showed no adverse effects, highlighting AMP-303’s potential as a breakthrough in hair loss treatment.

This past August, Amplifica raised $26 million in a Series B financing round. Tasso Partners led the round, with additional investment from Eli Lilly and Company, Scopia Capital Management principals, and other investors.

Unraveling hair growth

While most people would see a hairy mole as a cosmetic problem, Plikus had the unique ability to see this curious phenomenon as an opportunity. Although senescent (aging) cells found in large numbers in moles are typically seen as harmful as they accumulate in body tissues, Plikus discovered a silver lining. The senescent pigment cells in hairy moles generate abundant osteopontin, a signaling molecule that potently prompts dormant hair follicles to activate their stem cells and foster new hair growth.

Plikus simplifies his research by likening a hair follicle to a 3D printer that runs continuously, printing hair. If you cut your hair, your follicle will “print” more. But if at some point, genetics causes hair growth to halt, the printer/follicle is still there, in a stand-by mode. It just needs to be rebooted for the printing to restart.

The “reboot” needed in this case is the signaling molecules from senescent cells. The hair follicles of people with androgenetic alopecia are mostly intact; they’re just dormant as are their stem cells. Plikus and the Amplifica team plan to apply these activating signaling molecule to the scalp to prompt dormant follicles to produce new hair, effectively reverse engineering nature to recreate a powerful natural hair overgrowth phenomenon seen in moles.

Rooted together

Recognizing the limitations in the current hair loss market, Plikus saw the entrepreneurial potential of his research and worked with the Cove to attract interest from industry. He applied and received a Proof of Product grant from UCI Beall Applied Innovation to further develop his research into a commercially viable product.

Around the same time, biotech executive Wajdie Ahmad sold his company to Allergen and was exploring promising technologies on the Cove’s website. Plikus’ research caught his attention. He reached out to director of licensing Casie Kelly, who put him in touch with Plikus.

Ahmad has strong ties to the university. He arrived at UC Irvine as an MBA student and since then, has been heavily “entrenched” with the university.

“My deep connection with UCI is a two-way street. I give back to help Orange County’s biotech ecosystem grow, while also exploring opportunities aligned with my interests,” he says.

Plikus was fortunate to align with top-notch talent out of the gate. In addition to Ahmad, he linked up with Dr. William Rassman, an entrepreneur and hair transplant “guru,” as well as venture investor Spencer Segura. Amplifica has an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with the Regents of the University of California and has also received its own patent covering composition and methods for stimulating hair growth.

The co-founders soon connected with executive Frank Fazio, who came on board with many years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

“But the real credit goes to Maksim for his entrepreneurial vision, understanding the value, and promoting it within UC Irvine,” says Ahmad.

Boosting innovative solutions

In October 2022, Amplifica announced a successful Series A financing of $11.8M to advance target compounds into the clinic. This crucial milestone helped the startup move to a more established and scalable business.

The company has several compounds at various stages of development. They started human trials in June 2023 on one of the compounds and are planning for additional studies once pre-clinical development testing is complete. The end goal is for patients to be able to receive the hair loss treatment at a dermatologist’s office, similar to other cosmetic procedures like Botox or fillers.

“The treatment would have a large impact on how patients view themselves and how patients believe others will view them,” Fazio says.

Amplifica’s journey highlights how the power of curiosity not only reveals the mysteries of science, but how it drives innovative solutions with real impact.