The German Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Topical Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Early Male Pattern Baldness

A double-blind, 24-week, placebo-controlled study conducted in Germany evaluated the safety and efficacy of a 2% minoxidil solution for treating male pattern baldness. The study involved 163 patients who applied 1 ml of either the placebo or the 2% minoxidil solution twice daily. The results showed that the 2% minoxidil solution was significantly more effective than the placebo in increasing nonvellus hair count and in both investigator and patient evaluations of hair regrowth. Two patients, one from each group, discontinued treatment due to scalp dermatitis, which was considered related to the treatment. No significant changes were observed in vital signs or laboratory parameters, indicating that the 2% minoxidil solution was safe and more effective than placebo for early male pattern baldness.