Investigational medications in the treatment of alopecia
April 2005
in “Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs”
TLDR
New treatments for hair loss are being developed using molecular biology.
This document from 18 years ago discusses investigational medications for the treatment of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The article explains the pathogenesis of hair growth and how androgens are the most important hormone known to regulate hair growth. Currently, there are only two treatments approved by the US FDA for the treatment of AGA: minoxidil topical solution and finasteride. The article concludes by stating that advances in molecular biology are paving the way for a very exciting era of new therapeutics for hair disorders. The document provides expert opinions on various targeted treatments for androgenetic and chemotherapy-induced alopecia, including Namindil, fluridil, PSK-3841, LGD-1331, antiandrogen ODNs, steroid sulfatase inhibitors, KF19418, and thymosin ß4.
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Cited in this study
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The substance AS101 can help hair grow by slowing down hair cell aging and boosting a hair growth protein.
research Finasteride is the main inhibitor of 5α-reductase activity in microdissected dermal papillae of human hair follicles
Finasteride potentially treats hair loss by reducing DHT production.
research Evaluation of RU58841 as an Anti-Androgen in Prostate PC3 Cells and a Topical Anti-Alopecia Agent in the Bald Scalp of Stumptailed Macaques
RU58841, a nonsteroidal anti-androgen, showed potential as a topical treatment for hair loss, increasing hair density, thickness, and length without systemic side effects in Stumptailed Macaques.
research A controlled study of the effects of RU58841, a non-steroidal antiandrogen, on human hair production by balding scalp grafts maintained on testosterone-conditioned nude mice
research A randomized trial of minoxidil in chemotherapy-induced alopecia
Minoxidil shortens baldness from chemotherapy by 50.2 days without significant side effects.
research Finasteride
Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and may help with baldness, but effects on sexual function and male fetuses are unclear.
research RU 58841, a new specific topical antiandrogen: A candidate of choice for the treatment of acne, androgenetic alopecia and hirsutism
RU 58841 may treat acne, hair loss, and excessive hair growth.