Patient-Convenient Long-Term Alopecia Treatment via PLGA Microsphere-Loaded Candlelit Microneedle

The study explores a novel treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using candlelit microneedles (CMN) combined with PLGA microspheres encapsulating the NO-releasing PDE5 inhibitor TOP-M119. This method addresses the limitations of current treatments like oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, which have low bioavailability and side effects. The CMN system enhances drug delivery by overcoming the challenges posed by hair on the scalp, leading to substantial hair growth and reduced application frequency in vivo. This suggests that the CMN system may offer a more effective and patient-compliant treatment for alopecia compared to conventional methods.