Macrophage-Stimulating Protein Promotes Hair Growth Ex Vivo and Induces Anagen from Telogen Stage Hair Follicles In Vivo

Stress can lead to hair loss by affecting hair-follicle stem cells, and this loss is harder to recover from if one has male pattern baldness (MPB). Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are used to address hair loss, but stress-related hair loss differs from androgenic alopecia.

Hair loss can stabilize at a certain level and may not be permanent, especially if hormonal. The user experienced hair regrowth after using fish oil and derma rolling, but is hesitant to use Minoxidil or finasteride.

MCL-1 protein may help maintain hair follicles in the growth phase and prevent miniaturization. There is interest in experimental treatments like exosomes, peptides, or stem cell serums to upregulate MCL-1 for hair loss, especially for those not using minoxidil or finasteride.

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.

PP405 is anticipated as a future treatment for dormant hair follicles, but its effectiveness and safety are uncertain. Current treatments include oral minoxidil and microneedling, with some avoiding finasteride due to side effects.

A 21-year-old male diagnosed with telogen effluvium and male pattern baldness started taking finasteride, which initially slowed hair shedding and slightly thickened hair. The doctor recommended iron and vitamin D supplements, and the user is considering minoxidil but wants to stabilize shedding first.