Hair Loss Pipeline

Mechanism

JAK3/TEC Inhibitor

Summary

JAK inhibitor approved for alopecia areata (autoimmune). Does NOT work for male/female pattern baldness (AGA). Often confused but different conditions entirely.

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Mechanism

JAK1/JAK2 Inhibitor

Summary

Another JAK inhibitor for alopecia areata. Like ritlecitinib, does NOT treat androgenetic alopecia. Systemic drug with immune effects.

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Mechanism

Androgen Receptor Antagonist

Summary

Topical anti-androgen that blocks DHT at the scalp without systemic effects. 1% already FDA approved for acne (Winlevi). 5% concentration in Phase 3 (SCALP trials) showed dramatic hair count improvements - 539% and 168% relative improvement vs placebo with minimal systemic exposure. Would be first new AGA mechanism in 30+ years if approved.

Reddit (4)

Mechanism

Androgen Receptor Antagonist

Summary

Topical androgen receptor antagonist. Company-reported Phase 2-stage data in a pivotal Phase 2/3 trial met the primary endpoint vs placebo, with Phase 3-stage completion expected in early 2026. Final confirmatory data is still needed.

Reddit (4)

Mechanism

Extended-Release Minoxidil

Summary

Extended-release oral minoxidil designed to reduce peak exposure vs immediate-release oral minoxidil. Non-hormonal approach (doesn't touch DHT). In Phase 3 development for pattern hair loss, with topline Phase 3 data expected in 2026 per company guidance.

Reddit (4)

Mechanism

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor (Type I & II)

Summary

Investigational topical dutasteride formulation designed to concentrate 5-alpha reductase inhibition in the scalp while limiting systemic DHT suppression. Phase 2 data suggests 0.05% may improve hair counts vs placebo and compare favorably to oral finasteride, but larger confirmatory trials and long-term safety are needed.

Reddit (1)

Mechanism

PROTAC Androgen Receptor Degrader

Summary

First-in-class PROTAC technology that degrades androgen receptors rather than just blocking them. Novel mechanism could be more effective than traditional anti-androgens. Phase 2 showed all treatment groups had hair count increases vs placebo.

Reddit (2)

Mechanism

Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC) Inhibitor

Summary

Novel MPC inhibitor that reprograms hair follicle metabolism, pushing stem cells from oxidative phosphorylation into a glycolytic state (mimicking active growth phase). NOT an androgen blocker - works on men and women. Backed by ARCH Ventures and Google Ventures. Fast response in trials (8 weeks vs typical 6-12 months).

Reddit (9)

Mechanism

YAP/TAZ Inhibitor (Scarless Healing)

Summary

Originally for eye disease, now being tested for scarless healing in hair transplants. Could enable unlimited donor harvesting by preventing scar formation. Potentially game-changing for transplant patients.

Reddit (2)

Mechanism

Prolactin Receptor Monoclonal Antibody

Summary

Monoclonal antibody blocking prolactin receptors in hair follicles. Phase 1b showed +14 hairs/cm² over 24 weeks. Completely different mechanism from anti-androgens - targets PRLR pathway. Licensed from Bayer. Macaque monkey studies showed dramatic regrowth.

Reddit (6)

Mechanism

Prostaglandin F2α Analog

Summary

Topical prostaglandin F2α analog with proprietary hyliQ® carrier technology that delivers active ingredients directly into hair follicles. More direct than minoxidil - doesn't need enzyme conversion, works directly on PGF receptors to extend anagen phase. Can be stacked with minoxidil.

Reddit (2)

Mechanism

Osteopontin Peptide (Stem Cell & Angiogenesis)

Summary

Modified osteopontin peptide that activates stem cells, promotes blood vessel growth around follicles. Launched as cosmetic (not drug) for faster market access. Trial results showed ~12 hairs/cm² increase after 4 months - comparable to finasteride. Originally developed by Follicum, acquired by Coegin Pharma.

Reddit (2)

Mechanism

Non-steroidal Androgen Receptor Antagonist

Summary

Topical anti-androgen that blocks DHT at the receptor (unlike fin which blocks DHT production). Developed 1980s, trials abandoned ~2010. Related to nilutamide/bicalutamide. Popular in community but sold as 'research chemical' - no FDA approval, no quality control.

Reddit (3)

Mechanism

Signaling Molecule (Hair Follicle Activation)

Summary

Novel polysaccharide intradermal injectable that activates dormant hair follicles using unique signaling molecules. Nature-inspired approach from UCI research. Phase 1 showed 15% hair increase in 60 days. Co-founded by hair transplant surgeon Dr. William Rassman.

Reddit (3)

Mechanism

PAI-1 Inhibitor (Stem Cell Activation)

Summary

PAI-1 inhibitor that targets stem cell biology to restore normal hair follicle function. Phase 1 showed 6-fold increase in non-vellus hair in just 5 weeks - outperformed 4 months of minoxidil. Also may reverse hair graying. Non-hormonal, no sexual side effects expected. Being tested in oral form too.

Reddit (3)

Mechanism

RNA Interference (Androgen Receptor silencing)

Summary

Korean biotech using asymmetric siRNA (asiRNA) to silence androgen receptor expression in hair follicles. Unlike DHT blockers, targets the receptor itself. Injected locally into scalp, rapidly degrades in blood - potentially avoiding sexual dysfunction and depression. Single dose inhibits AR for 3+ weeks.

Reddit (2)

Mechanism

Prolactin Receptor Monoclonal Antibody

Summary

AI-designed prolactin receptor antibody targeting PRLR. Preclinical: 100% regrowth in mice in 22 days (vs 5% minoxidil), extends growth phase 20-30%, expands stem cells, restores IGF-1/FGF-7, no shedding phase. Dosing every 3-6 months. Similar mechanism to HMI-115.

Reddit (5)

Mechanism

iPSC-derived Hair Follicle Regeneration

Summary

Chinese biotech pursuing iPSC-derived hair follicle regeneration, similar to Stemson's approach. Claims >90% CD200 positive cell differentiation (vs 30% in literature). Based in Chengdu, partnered with West China Hospital. Positioning as Stemson's successor after their shutdown.

Reddit (1)

Mechanism

Angiogenesis (Blood Vessel Formation)

Summary

A naturally occurring sugar molecule (part of DNA backbone) that promotes blood vessel formation. Sheffield/COMSATS researchers noticed faster hair growth around healing wounds treated with 2dDR. Mouse study showed similar efficacy to minoxidil. Very early stage - researchers explicitly warned against companies selling it prematurely.

Reddit (5)

Mechanism

Gene Expression Modulation

Summary

Research showing specific microRNAs can trigger significant hair regrowth in mice by softening stiffened stem cells. Northwestern's June 2023 study is the most recent. Promising but very early - years from human trials.

Reddit (3)

Mechanism

Extracellular Vesicle Signaling

Summary

Extracellular vesicles that carry growth factors and signaling molecules. Early studies show potential for stimulating hair growth. Still very experimental with no standardized protocols or advanced trials.

Reddit (1)

Mechanism

Hair Follicle Stem Cell Activation via Fatty Acid Metabolism

Summary

Serum using monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, palmitoleic acid) dissolved in alcohol. Developed by Prof. Sung-Jan Lin at NTU. Activates hair follicle stem cells by mimicking the fat breakdown that occurs during skin healing. No DHT involvement - completely different pathway. Promising mouse data but years from human validation.

Reddit (3)

Mechanism

IGF-1/VEGF Upregulation + Controlled Irritation

Summary

Mouse studies comparing 0.001% bee venom to 2% minoxidil showed bee venom outperformed in regrowth speed. Proposed mechanism: melittin increases IGF-1 and VEGF around follicles, reduces inflammation, creates controlled irritation similar to microneedling. Major caveat: severe allergic reactions possible. No human trials, purely animal data.

Reddit (1)

Mechanism

iPSC-derived Hair Follicle Cells

Summary

Was the leading company pursuing iPSC-derived hair follicle regeneration - the 'holy grail' of unlimited donor hair. Shut down in Dec 2024 before reaching human trials. Yunce Medical (China) is now pursuing similar technology.

Reddit (1)