October 2023 in “bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)”
A protein called EGFR protects hair follicle stemcells, and when it's disrupted, hair follicles can be damaged, but blocking certain pathways can restore hair growth.
Hair loss in Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is due to altered cell sensitivity to hormones, not increased hormone levels. Hair growth periods shorten over time, causing hair to become thinner and shorter. This is linked to miscommunication between cellpathways in hair follicles. There's also a change in gene expression related to blood vessels and cell growth in balding hair follicles. The exact molecular causes of AGA are still unclear.
PP405 is a new hair loss treatment that may outperform minoxidil and finasteride by growing thick hair in bald areas within four weeks. Its release is expected around 2028, but concerns about its long-term efficacy and cost remain.
Hair loss treatments include finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, dutasteride, CB-03-01, RU-58841, and experimental options like KY-19382 and stemcell therapy. Some treatments are considered ineffective or risky, such as ketoconazole, PRP, and low-level laser therapy.
Tazarotene shows potential as a standalone treatment for hair regrowth by stimulating new hair follicle formation and promoting angiogenesis, similar to microneedling effects. It can be used topically without minoxidil, but users should start with a low concentration to avoid irritation.
DHT may inhibit hair growth by affecting mitochondrial function, leading to hair follicle miniaturization. Treatments like minoxidil and PP405 may promote hair growth by altering metabolic pathways, potentially counteracting DHT's effects.
PP405 is a new hair loss treatment in phase 2 trials that may promote hair growth by increasing lactate production and activating hair follicle stemcells. It could potentially replace hormone-disrupting treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.