LB1045 Inhibition of pyruvate oxidation activates human hair follicle stem cells ex vivo

The study investigates the small molecule clinical candidate PP405, developed to activate human hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and promote hair growth by inhibiting pyruvate oxidation. Translational studies using human skin explants from facelift surgeries showed that topical application of PP405 led to a dose-related increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity and cell proliferation in hair follicle stem cell niches. Specifically, 0.006% and 0.06% doses increased lactate dehydrogenase activity by over 50% compared to the vehicle. The findings demonstrate the potential of PP405 to activate HFSCs, supporting its progression to a phase 1 clinical trial for treating androgenetic alopecia in men.