Teicoplanin Alleviates Androgenetic Alopecia Through Inhibition of Androgen Receptor Expression and Enhancing Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation

This study identifies teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, as a promising therapeutic candidate for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by inhibiting androgen receptor (AR) expression and enhancing dermal papilla cell proliferation. Through virtual screening of 3014 compounds, teicoplanin showed potent binding affinity for the AR ligand-binding domain. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that teicoplanin reduced AR protein levels and promoted hair regrowth in DHT-induced AGA mice, with significant improvements in hair coverage and follicle size at a high dose. Teicoplanin also increased cellular proliferation markers and downregulated AR and its target genes, suggesting its potential as a novel treatment for AGA.