Topical Methotrexate vs Minoxidil for Localized Alopecia Areata
Starting soon · Phase 4
Conditions studied: Alopecia Areata
In brief
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized by well-defined, non-scarring patches of hair loss on the scalp and other hair-bearing areas. Although several treatment options are available, there is no universally accepted standard therapy, and treatment responses vary widely among patients. Minoxidil is commonly used for hair regrowth due to its ability to stimulate hair follicles and prolong the anagen phase of the hair cycle. Methotrexate, an immunosuppressive agent traditionally used in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, has also been explored as a potential treatment for alopecia areata because of its ability to suppress immune-mediated follicular damage. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of topical methotrexate 1% gel versus minoxidil 5% spray in patients with localized alopecia areata. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either topical methotrexate gel or minoxidil spray and will be followed for 24 weeks. Treatment response will be assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score. The findings of this study may help identify an effective therapeutic option for patients with localized alopecia areata and contribute to improving clinical management strategies for this condition.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07459933
- Run by
- Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre
- People needed
- 268
- Starts
- 2026-03-15
- Expected to finish
- 2026-09-15
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-03-10
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 50. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Patients aged 18 to 50 years.
- Patients of either gender.
- Patients diagnosed with localized alopecia areata, defined as one or more smooth, well-circumscribed patches of non-scarring hair loss on the scalp with less than 25% scalp involvement, assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score.
- Patients not previously treated with topical methotrexate or minoxidil for alopecia areata.
- Patients willing to provide written informed consent and comply with follow-up visits.
You may not qualify if…
- Patients with other types of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or scarring alopecia.
- Patients with systemic diseases that may influence hair growth or treatment response, such as uncontrolled thyroid disease, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or autoimmune connective tissue disorders.
- Pregnant or lactating women.
- Patients who have used topical or systemic treatment for alopecia areata within the past 3 months.
- Patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to methotrexate or minoxidil.
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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