Repurposing Existing Drugs for the Treatment of COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2: A Review of Pharmacological Effects and Mechanism of Action

The conversation discusses GT20029, a drug in Phase II trials that targets androgen receptors with minimal systemic effects, and TDM-105795, a growth stimulant with a different mechanism than minoxidil that may revive papilla stem cells. Both are potential new treatments for hair loss.

12 companies having drugs or therapies in clinical trials during 2023, with various molecules and phases of trial; the probability that some may fail; and progress being made in the field.

Rapamycin, finasteride, and minoxidil are discussed as a strategy for hair loss prevention and reversal. Pulsed dosing of rapamycin is suggested to avoid conflicting effects with minoxidil.

FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

The conversation discusses the potential of developing a selective oral SARM to target androgen activity in the scalp and skin, as an alternative to oral Dutasteride and Finasteride, which have systemic side effects. It also mentions Clascoterone and RU58841 as topical treatments for hair loss.

Dr. Muñoz's discovery suggests that targeting potassium channels in fibroblasts could reactivate hair growth, offering new treatment possibilities for alopecia. Potential strategies include using minoxidil, diazoxide, and other potassium channel openers, as well as bioelectric devices and direct growth factor applications.