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Stretching The Truth: 3 Misrepresented Claims From Hair Loss Studies

First Published Jun 12 2025
Last Updated Jun 17 2025
Pharmaceutical
Researched & Written By:
Sarah King, PhD
Reviewed By:
Rob English, Medical Editor
Stretching The Truth: 3 Misrepresented Claims From Hair Loss Studies

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Article Summary

Think that new hair growth product sounds too good to be true? It might be. In this article, we break down how research findings in hair loss treatments are often misinterpreted, or worse, misrepresented. From misleading percentages to press release spin, we highlight real examples involving TTFE, Niostem, and CB-03-01. We also explore whether companies that release all their data in press releases should be trusted. If you want to understand what the data really says before trusting the hype, this one’s for you.

 

Full Article

In dermatology, clear and accurate reporting of research findings isn’t just important; it’s essential. Yet, data misinterpretation and misrepresentation remain a persistent issue, often slipping through in abstracts, press releases, and articles from otherwise trusted sources. These distortions can have real consequences, affecting how products are marketed, how clinicians make decisions, and the public’s understanding of the science.

In this article, we break down recent examples from hair growth research to illustrate exactly how scientific data can be misinterpreted, why it matters more than ever in our 24-hour news cycle culture, and what that means for companies that prefer to share their data rather than relying on press releases.

Thermos Thermophilus Extract (TTFE) and Hair Density

A striking example of data misinterpretation appeared in a recent Dermatology Times article, which claimed that Thermus Thermophilus Ferment Extract (TTFE) increased hair density by 96.88%.[1]Bosslett, M. (2025). Thermos Thermophilus Fermentation Extract Can Treat Androgenic Alopecia. Dermatology Times. Available at: … Continue reading  At first glance, this figure suggests a near doubling of hair density, an extraordinary claim that would be making waves in cosmetic dermatology.

Screenshot of the interpretation of the data from the Dermatology Times article.

However, a closer examination of the original peer-reviewed study reveals a critical nuance: the figure refers not to the magnitude of increase in hair density, but to the proportion of participants who experienced any increase in hair density. In other words, nearly all subjects showed some improvement, but the actual percentage increase in hair density was much smaller.

This distinction is vital. Reporting the statistic as a 96.88% increase in hair density grossly inflates the effect size and misleads readers about the product’s efficacy. Read more about what we thought about this here.

Niostem Device Pilot Study

Another recent example involves the Niostem device. The device’s pilot study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, reported increases in total hair density (12% at 3 months, 19.3% at 6 months) and hair shaft thickness (8.8% over 6 months).[2]Jellard, S., Moore, S., Chacon-Martinez, C.A. (2025). Novel Electrotrichogenic Device Promotes Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 24. … Continue reading

While these results are promising, the study’s abstract contains a potentially misleading statement, claiming: “terminal hair density improved significantly over time”.

Niostem’s description in their abstract of participants’ terminal hair growth

However, the data showed that terminal hair density initially decreased at 3 months compared to baseline before increasing at 6 months. The significant increase is relative to the 3-month point, not the baseline, which would be the more relevant comparison for assessing treatment efficacy (and for which there was no statistically significant change).

Actual Niostem terminal hair growth data. Significant growth at 6 months is only compared to 3 month data where terminal hair counts decreased.[3]Jellard, S., Moore, S., Chacon-Martinez, C.A. (2025). Novel Electrotrichogenic Device Promotes Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 24. … Continue reading

This subtle but important spin in the abstract can create an overly optimistic impression of the device’s performance. You can read more in our article here.

CB-03-01 Phase II Study and Press Release Limitations

The second Phase II study of CB-03-01, a topical antiandrogen for female pattern hair loss, illustrates the pitfalls of relying on press releases rather than peer-reviewed publications. The press release summarized the main findings from a 293-participant study, but omitted critical details such as how CB-03-01 compared to the 2% minoxidil group.[4]Cassiopea Spa, (2021). Cassiopea SpA Announces Topline Results of Phase II Proof of Concept Trial of Clascoterone Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Females. Available at: … Continue reading

Part of the Breezula press release in which it was mentioned that treatment with clascoterone was compared with 2% minoxidil treatment or a vehicle control. The comparison with 2% minoxidil was not mentioned anywhere in the results.[5]Cassiopea Spa, (2021). Cassiopea SpA Announces Topline Results of Phase II Proof of Concept Trial of Clascoterone Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Females. Available at: … Continue reading

Without all the data, readers can’t fully assess the study’s methodology, statistical analysis, or properly contextualize the results.

Should we trust the Kintor Pharma Press Releases?

When you see mistakes, misrepresentations, or only partial displays of results like these, it casts a shadow across companies like Kintor Pharmaceuticals, which have disseminated their efficacy and safety data primarily through press releases, investor announcements, and conference abstracts, rather than peer-reviewed journal articles. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for independent experts to critically appraise the robustness and clinical relevance of the findings.

For instance, Kintor’s Phase II trials report increases in target area hair count of approximately 10 to 22 hairs per cm2 compared to baseline or placebo after 24 weeks.[6]Kintor Pharma. (2023). Kintor Pharma Announces Successful Completion of Phase II Clinical Trial of KX-826 for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in the US. Available at: … Continue reading While these numbers appear promising, without full access to raw data, confidence intervals, or responder analyses, it is impossible to determine how consistent or meaningful these improvements are across the treated population. Moreover, the clinical significance of such hair count increases, whether they translate into visibly noticeable hair regrowth or improved patient satisfaction, is unclear without detailed patient-reported outcomes or photographic evidence.

Kintor’s decision to market KX-826-containing products as cosmetics rather than drugs in some regions further complicates trust in their claims. Cosmetics do not require FDA approval or demonstration of efficacy, and safety requirements are less stringent. This positioning allows products to be sold despite incomplete evidence of clinical benefit, potentially exposing consumers to unproven treatments.

Why Misrepresentation Happens and Its Consequences

Misrepresentation or “spin” in scientific communication can be intentional or unintentional. Authors and publishers may emphasize positive findings to attract attention, secure funding, or support marketing goals. Press releases often simplify complex results to appeal to broader audiences, sometimes glossing over limitations or nuances.[7]PR Newswire. (no date). How Healthcare Companies are Using Press Releases. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/resources/articles/healthcare-company-press-releases/ (Accessed: June 2025) 

Done wrong, data can be misrepresented or misinterpreted, leading to:

  • Mislead clinicians and potential consumers
  • Dissemination of misinformation through social media and other internet sources
  • Confusion and skepticism in scientific and medical fields
  • Loss of trust from the consumer

The Role of Peer Review and Scientific Literacy

Peer review serves as a critical quality control mechanism, ensuring that research is rigorously evaluated by experts before it is published.[8]Taylor & Francis. (no date). Understanding the peer review process. Available at: https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/peer-review/ (Accessed: June 2025) It helps prevent unwarranted claims and promotes transparent reporting of methods and results. However, peer review is not foolproof, and errors or spin can still appear in abstracts or articles.

Peer review is only one part of the equation, however. Scientific literacy, especially source literacy, remains essential for anyone navigating research claims, whoever you are. This means not just reading headlines or abstracts, but digging into the methods, understanding what is being measured, and questioning whether the reported outcomes are truly meaningful in a real-world context. 

In today’s environment, where information can be amplified and distorted through social media and marketing, the responsibility for critical evaluation doesn’t just fall on scientists or peer reviewers; it’s shared by all of us who read, share, and act on scientific news.

Final Thoughts

The examples from TTFE, Niostem, and CB-03-01 illustrate how easily data can be misrepresented, whether intentionally or not. While press releases can be useful for quick updates, they are no substitute for full, peer-reviewed publications that allow for independent scrutiny. As the boundaries between scientific communication, marketing, and media continue to blur, the risk of misinterpretation and the consequences for patient care, consumer trust, and scientific progress only increase. 

Therefore, when it comes to companies that only publish their data through press releases, we would advise approaching with caution. It is good to have an open mind, but try not to blindly trust everything you see.

If you’d like a deeper dive into these topics, visit these videos here and here.

References

References
↑1 Bosslett, M. (2025). Thermos Thermophilus Fermentation Extract Can Treat Androgenic Alopecia. Dermatology Times. Available at: https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/thermus-thermophilus-fermentation-extract-can-treat-androgenic-alopecia (Accessed: May 2025)
↑2, ↑3 Jellard, S., Moore, S., Chacon-Martinez, C.A. (2025). Novel Electrotrichogenic Device Promotes Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 24. E70302. 1-8. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70202
↑4 Cassiopea Spa, (2021). Cassiopea SpA Announces Topline Results of Phase II Proof of Concept Trial of Clascoterone Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Females. Available at: https://www.old.cassiopea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/210910_Cassiopea_Media-Release_Clascoterone-Solution-Phase-2-Female-AGA-Results_EN-FINAL.pdf (Accessed: June 2025)
↑5 Cassiopea Spa, (2021). Cassiopea SpA Announces Topline Results of Phase II Proof of Concept Trial of Clascoterone Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Females. Available at: https://www.old.cassiopea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/210910_Cassiopea_Media-Release_Clascoterone-Solution-Phase-2-Female-AGA-Results_EN-FINAL.pdf (Accessed: June 2025)
↑6 Kintor Pharma. (2023). Kintor Pharma Announces Successful Completion of Phase II Clinical Trial of KX-826 for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in the US. Available at: https://en.kintor.com.cn/news_details/1803365133011234816.html#:~:text=The%20results%20showed%20that%3A&text=The%20TAHC%20of%20the%200.5,significant%20(P%3D0.0088). (Accessed: June 2025)
↑7 PR Newswire. (no date). How Healthcare Companies are Using Press Releases. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/resources/articles/healthcare-company-press-releases/ (Accessed: June 2025)
↑8 Taylor & Francis. (no date). Understanding the peer review process. Available at: https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/peer-review/ (Accessed: June 2025)

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Sarah King, PhD

Sarah King, PhD

Dr. Sarah King is a researcher & writer who holds a BSc in Medical Biology, an MSc in Forensic Biology, and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology. While at university, Dr. King’s research focused on cellular aging and senescence through NAD-dependent signaling – along with research into prostaglandins and their role in hair loss. She is a co-author on several upcoming manuscripts with the Perfect Hair Health team.

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