Identification of Candidate Genes for Min Pig Villi Hair Traits by Genome-Wide Association of Copy Number Variation

SCUBE3, a protein linked to hair growth in moles, was discovered over 25 years ago and is being developed by Amplifica for potential hair loss treatment. Concerns exist about SCUBE3's association with cancer, as it is a protein that promotes cell growth, which could potentially trigger cancer development if used for hair growth therapy.

Amplifica is testing a compound called AMP-303 for hair loss, but it's not Scube3 or osteopontin. The timing for the results from the clinical trial is unknown.

The GT20029 tincture, a topical androgen receptor degrader, showed significant hair growth and good safety in a China Phase II trial for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with the 1% dose twice weekly identified as optimal. The company plans to initiate Phase III trials in China and Phase II in the U.S., and the treatment also shows promise for acne.

Balding scalps have more androgen receptors, leading to increased TGF-beta, which causes blood vessel loss and hair follicle miniaturization. Blocking androgen signaling and TGF-beta may help prevent hair loss.

Twist-1 is being explored as a promising early-stage hair loss treatment, while Scube-3's effect on Twist-1 in breast cancer cells raises concerns about its use for hair loss. The conversation discusses the potential differences in protein effects across various cell types.

PP405 trials have completed phase 2a, showing promising results with a 31% stat for hair density increase, and are moving directly to phase 3. Detailed results will be presented at a medical conference in 2026.