A potential cure for male pattern baldness, affecting nearly half of men and a quarter of women by age 50, has been accidentally discovered by researchers from the University of Sheffield in England and COMSATS University in Pakistan. The team was studying the healing properties of deoxyribose sugar on lab mice wounds when they observed rapid fur regrowth around the treated areas.
Promising results in hair loss treatment
Intrigued, the researchers applied deoxyribose sugar gel to male mice with testosterone-driven hair loss. The results were significant: the sugar promoted the formation of new blood vessels, encouraging hair regrowth. Sheila MacNeil, an emeritus professor of tissue engineering at the University of Sheffield, highlighted the potential simplicity of this treatment, which rivals the effectiveness of minoxidil (Rogaine), a common hair loss treatment.
Advantages over existing treatments
Current FDA-approved treatments for hereditary baldness include minoxidil and finasteride (Propecia). While effective, these treatments don’t work for everyone and can have side effects, especially finasteride, which is associated with depression, erectile dysfunction, and other issues. Alternative treatments, like laser therapy and hair transplants, exist but can be invasive or expensive.
Future prospects
The discovery of deoxyribose sugar’s effectiveness in hair regrowth offers a promising, non-invasive alternative. If successful in human trials, this treatment could also benefit those with alopecia or individuals seeking hair regrowth after chemotherapy. This breakthrough could provide a much-needed solution to a widespread problem, improving the quality of life for many suffering from hair loss.