PP405 is a new hair loss treatment in phase 2 trials that may promote hair growth by increasing lactateproduction and activating hair follicle stem cells. It could potentially replace hormone-disrupting treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.
PP405 is a potential hair loss treatment that inhibits mitochondrial pyruvate carriers, increasing lactate dehydrogenase activity and stimulating hair follicle stem cells. In a phase 1 trial, 31% of participants showed over 20% hair density increase with PP405 treatment.
Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.
PP405 shows promise for hair regrowth by manipulating stem cell characteristics and lactate dehydrogenase, with Phase 2a trials pending. Google Ventures' $15M investment suggests confidence, but results and market availability remain uncertain.
Hair follicles usually go dormant rather than die, and treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and hormone therapy can sometimes reactivate them, though results vary. Complete regrowth is rare, especially in long-term bald areas, but some individuals see significant improvement with these treatments.