Rebamipide Induces Hair Regeneration Through EP4-Driven Lipid Metabolism Remodeling

October 2025 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Chenjie Feng, Hao Dong, David G. Jiang, Yuan Gao, Xinyue Gu, Weiwei Diao, Ying Zhou, Dingfan Xu, Ruixin Li, Liang Wu

rebamipide minoxidil telogen-phase autophagy lipolysis dermal adipocytes adipocyte dedifferentiation hair follicle stem cells platelet-derived growth factor prostaglandin E receptor EP4 PI3K/ERK-dependent pathways gastric ulcer drug hair regrowth HFSCs PDGF EP4

Studysummary This study found that topical rebamipide, originally a gastric ulcer medication, can activate hair follicle stem cells and promote hair regeneration by modulating dermal adipocyte metabolism, with potential targeting of the prostaglandin E receptor EP4.

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The study explores the potential of rebamipide, a drug originally used for gastric ulcers, in promoting hair regeneration. Using a telogen-phase mouse model, researchers found that topical rebamipide treatment significantly accelerated hair regrowth, with effects comparable to minoxidil. The mechanism involves rebamipide-induced autophagy and lipolysis in dermal adipocytes, leading to adipocyte dedifferentiation and activation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) via increased platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) levels. The study identifies the prostaglandin E receptor EP4 as a key target, with rebamipide binding to it and triggering PI3K/ERK-dependent pathways. These findings suggest rebamipide as a promising candidate for hair loss treatment by remodeling lipid metabolism and activating HFSCs. Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms and validate EP4 as a therapeutic target, including studies on human scalp tissue.

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