INDIANAPOLIS — Alopecia is a rare disease where your immune system attacks your hair follicles causing hair loss.
But a new drug provides hope to this community.
Josh Heaston can see his condition every time he looks at himself.
“I look in the mirror, I brush my teeth (and) I'm reminded I don't have any hair. I don't have any eyebrows and I'm sick,” Heaston said.
His reflection highlights the physical changes caused by a disease called alopecia.
“I had a perfectly shaped quarter-size circle completely bald on the top of my head,” Heaston said.
His journey started in 2011 when doctors and dermatologists confirmed his diagnosis.
“Mr. Heaston, we know what you have, we don't know how you got it, and we don't know how to treat but it's called alopecia,” Heaston said doctors told him.
Alopecia can be temporary or permanent.
It can be hereditary or caused by hormonal changes, medical conditions or simply aging.
In 2017, Heaston heard about a new clinical trial for a drug called Olumiant to treat his condition.
Led by his faith, Heaston decided to take part and in July of that year started taking the daily pill.
“I was completely bald ... no eyebrows, no eyelashes, no facial hair and things like that, and I believe about four and a half five months later, all my hair grew back in and I looked like a completely different person,” Heaston said.
But after the trial, Heaston couldn’t take the drug that gave him his hair, his confidence and his hope back.
“Within three months, all my hair had fallen out again,” Heaston said.
Olumiant is now FDA-approved and they said in the clinical study participants saw 80% or greater hair growth.
Some of the side effects of the drug include infections, fever, muscle aches, weight loss and tiredness.
Now, nearly five years later, Heaston is back on the drug and hoping for the best.
“I’ve been back on it for two weeks. I actually have a few more growing in, so I'm hopeful again and my big thing is I want to have a haircut for Christmas,” Heaston said.
Right now, Olumiant is only approved for adults.
But Heaston said he took part in the trial for kids with alopecia, hoping one day the drug is approved for them — or that at least they have something to look forward to when they turn 18.
-
Racist flyers found scattered around Hamilton County
Numerous neighbors are taking action after dozens of racist flyers threatening deportation were found scattered across roads in Hamilton County.
University of Indianapolis launches new Behavioral Health Trauma certificate
The certificate specifically focuses on mental health professionals who plan to provide trauma counseling. It is obtained after three courses and nine total credit hours.
Josh Downs, Anthony Richardson team up to give Colts offense a jolt of energy
Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs welcomed last week's announcement that Anthony Richardson would return as Indy's starting quarterback.
Barrett scores season-high 39 as Raptors snap losing streak, beat Pacers 130-119
Benedict Mathurin scored 17 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and Pascal Siakam had 25 points and 10 rebounds against his former team as the Pacers lost for the third time in four games.
