Biologically derived sugars may be useful in treating male pattern baldness (AGA)

A research team from the University of Sheffield in the UK has shown that a sugar called 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) may be useful in treating male pattern baldness (AGA).

Frontiers | Stimulation of hair regrowth in an animal model of androgenic alopecia using 2-deoxy-D-ribose

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/cure-male-pattern-baldness-given-boost-sugar-discovery

At the time of writing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two types of AGA treatment drugs: minoxidil and finasteride . However, minoxidil may cause myocardial infarction and loss of appetite, and finasteride has been reported to have side effects such as reduced libido.

The research team has been studying 2dDR, a sugar present in the body, for the past eight years, and in particular has been studying 'the mechanism by which 2dDR assists wound healing.' During the experiment, the research team discovered that 'hair is more likely to grow in areas undergoing healing with 2dDR than in other areas.' Therefore, they decided to confirm whether 2dDR has the effect of treating AGA.

The results of observing the process of hair growth after applying 'nothing (NC)', 'testosterone (T-1)', 'hydrogel (T-2)', 'hydrogel containing 2dDR (T-3)', 'minoxidil (T-4)', and '2dDR and minoxidil (T-5)' to mice are shown below. It was confirmed that mice applied with 2dDR grew hair faster than mice applied with testosterone or hydrogel.

In addition, the results of comparing the length and density of hair by observing skin sections 21 days after application are shown below. Mice applied with 2dDR were observed to have longer and denser hair than mice applied with testosterone or hydrogel.

Based on these results, the research team concluded that '2dDR was shown to be effective in promoting hair growth in mice with AGA.' The research team plans to continue their research and elucidate the causes of hair growth promotion by 2dDR.