Folliculin: A Surprising Molecular Brake in the Human Hair Follicle

MCL-1 is important for hair follicle stem cell survival, but its impact on human hair regrowth is unclear. Minoxidil and finasteride are the main treatments, with doubts about new discoveries leading to effective human solutions soon.

Genetic differences in hair follicles affect hair loss patterns. Treatments discussed include finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

Follicum discovered that their drug FOL-005 increased hair count by 12 hairs per cm2 in patients with less than 255 hairs per cm2 and is planning a phase 2b trial. They are currently fundraising for the trial, and the drug may also be effective for women.

Hair follicles are mostly dormant but can be reactivated with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and microneedling. A new drug, PP405, shows promise for hair regrowth but may not be available until 2027-2028.

A gel of keratin microspheres promotes hair follicle growth, showing similar effectiveness to minoxidil in mice. The treatment activates hair growth pathways and reduces inflammation, with potential applications in drug delivery for hair-related disorders.

Follistatin, known for inhibiting myostatin and promoting muscle growth in mice, is being discussed as a potential treatment for hair loss. Specific treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841.