Khaberni - Two clinical trials have shown that "Clascoterone" cream, originally developed for treating acne, can stimulate hair growth by 500% over six months in men suffering from hereditary hair loss.
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, usually appears as a bald spot on the top of the head or a receding hairline. It occurs due to "Dihydrotestosterone" (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, which shrinks genetically sensitive hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and its gradual stop in growth.
"Clascoterone" differs from current treatments, such as "Minoxidil" or "Finasteride" and "Dutasteride" tablets, in that it directly blocks the effect of DHT on hair follicles without causing common side effects like reduced libido or prostate issues. Its formula is five times stronger than the acne treatment "Winlevi" and targets hair follicles precisely.
The recent trials, named SCALP 1 and SCALP 2, involved about 1465 men from Europe and the United States. Participants received either the new preparation or a placebo, and results were evaluated after six months by imaging and counting hairs in a tattoo-marked spot on the scalp. One study showed a 539% increase in hair count for "Clascoterone" users, while the other showed a 168% increase, whereas no improvement was observed in participants using the placebo.
Side effects were limited, such as skin redness or mild itching, with no general side effects related to hormones observed.
Professor Maria Hordinsky, head of the dermatology department at the University of Minnesota, says, "This is an important point, as concerns about libido and mood pose barriers for many men considering taking 'Finasteride' or 'Dutasteride' orally. The new topical treatment is well-tolerated, making it a promising option."
Other experts stress the importance of adhering to the treatment regularly, as stopping it may restart the balding process. They also note that trial results reflect the effectiveness of the treatment in a specific area and not a fivefold increase in hair across the entire head.
It is believed that the biggest beneficiaries of "Clascoterone" are young men in early stages of hair loss, who have either refused to use "Finasteride" due to its side effects or are looking for a treatment that addresses the root cause of balding.
The treatment is expected to be available by prescription following anticipated regulatory approvals in the United States and Europe in the spring, meaning it will soon be available in the market.
