An open-label trial of immunomodulation therapy with inosiplex (Isoprinosine) in patients with alopecia totalis and cell-mediated immunodeficiency.

Nine patients with alopecia totalis and associated defects in T lymphocyte function were admitted to an open-label trial of inosiplex therapy. All nine developed enhanced T cell function and seven had clinically significant hair regrowth. The immunologic response to inosiplex was dose-dependent in five patients. These data provide new information on the in vivo effects of inosiplex on the human immune system and support the hypothesis that disturbances of immunologic mechanisms may play a pathogenetic role in alopecia totalis in certain patients.