Nanostructured Drug Delivery Systems for Targeting 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors to the Hair Follicle

    January 2022 in “ Pharmaceutics ”
    Silvia Tampucci, Valentina Paganini, Susi Burgalassi, Patrizia Chetoni, Daniela Monti
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    TLDR Nanostructured delivery systems could potentially improve hair loss treatment by targeting drugs to hair follicles, reducing side effects and dosage, but the best size, charge, and materials for these systems need further investigation.
    The document reviews the development of nanostructured drug delivery systems for targeting 5-α-reductase inhibitors to the hair follicle, a potential treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Current treatments like minoxidil and finasteride have side effects and require repeated applications. The new strategies aim to improve drug retention in the hair follicle, reducing systemic absorption and side effects. The research focuses on factors like particle size, surface charge, and excipients. The document also mentions dutasteride, a promising drug for alopecia treatment. The document concludes that nanostructured delivery systems could improve drug distribution in the hair follicle region, reduce side effects, and lower the required dose. However, the optimal size, surface charge, and combination of polymers and/or surfactants for the nanoparticles should be investigated to maximize their effectiveness.
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