SCIENTISTS FROM UCLA MAY HAVE DISCOVERED A CURE FOR HAIR LOSS
You might be surprised to learn how common hair loss is. At some point, 33% of women and 85% of men will experience hair loss. That's why a fresh discovery is so thrilling. Although medications like Rogaine and Propecia, and transplants have long been helpful, UCLA researchers have found something that may be even more effective: PP405.
This tiny chemical seems to have a significant effect on hair because it can stimulate follicles that are inactive but unharmed. For the past ten years, researchers have been working in the lab to isolate PP405 and attach it to a protein in follicle stem cells that prevents them from proliferating. This protein is inhibited by the chemical, causing the stem cells to become active. The first human trials were conducted in 2023 and showed encouraging outcomes following a week of topical medication given to the scalp before bed.
“No such product will work for everyone,” says Dr. William Lowry, associate director of the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Centre, “but our first human trials in Orange County have been very encouraging, and there are larger trials with more people to follow.”
Most excitingly, the team thinks the treatment will eliminate the peach fuzz that topical therapies are known for and instead produce complete "terminal" hair. The scientists co-founded Pelage Pharmaceuticals, a medical development business, while they awaited FDA permission. The business, which is supported by Google Ventures, raised $16.4 million for additional testing last year. If all goes according to plan, PP405-based hair treatments ought to be available on the market between 2027 and 2030.
