Repurposing DPP4-Inhibition to Improve Hair Follicle Activation and Regeneration

A 57-year-old man with male pattern hair loss and insulin resistance experienced hair regrowth and weight loss after using tirzepatide, without other hair treatments. Dysregulated glucose metabolism is linked to hair loss, with tirzepatide potentially improving hair density by normalizing insulin resistance.

PP405 shows promise in regenerating hair by activating dormant follicles. Other treatments like VDPHL01 and Breezula are also advancing, providing new hope for hair loss solutions.

PP405, a topical treatment, shows promise for hair growth by activating inactive follicles, with 66% of participants experiencing positive results. The treatment is well-tolerated and may proceed directly to Phase 3 trials, offering a potential alternative to minoxidil and finasteride.

The conversation discusses potential hair loss treatments focusing on stimulating IGF-1 at the follicle level using growth-factor cocktails and engineered peptides, such as Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Copper Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-20, Thymosin-β4, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. It suggests that device-assisted delivery methods like microneedling may enhance effectiveness.

PP405 is a potential hair loss treatment that inhibits mitochondrial pyruvate carriers, increasing lactate dehydrogenase activity and stimulating hair follicle stem cells. In a phase 1 trial, 31% of participants showed over 20% hair density increase with PP405 treatment.

PP405, developed by Pelage Pharmaceuticals, can reactivate dormant hair follicle stem cells and increase hair growth by 20% in eight weeks, unlike minoxidil or finasteride. However, skepticism remains about its effectiveness and availability, with concerns about funding and the timeline for broader access.