Verteporfin, a drug primarily used in photodynamic therapy for treating macular degeneration, has shown some potential in research related to hair loss. However, it is essential to understand that it is not currently approved or widely recognized as a treatment for hair loss. However, there is a strong possibility that it will revolutionize the industry and give many baldheads hope.
Research Findings
Recent studies have explored the potential of verteporfin in hair regrowth by targeting specific pathways involved in hair follicle cycling. The drug has been found to inhibit the activity of the YAP/TAZ pathway, which is implicated in various cellular processes, including hair follicle regeneration. In some experimental models, this inhibition has led to the activation of hair follicle stem cells and subsequent hair regrowth.
Current Status
Verteporfin is not an established treatment for hair loss, and more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in this context. The studies conducted so far are preliminary and mostly at the experimental or early clinical stage.
Considerations
- Safety and Efficacy: Long-term safety and effectiveness of verteporfin for hair loss are not yet established.
- Regulatory Approval: Verteporfin is not approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA for treating hair loss.
- Human Trials: As of now, there have only been two human trials. One with Dr. Taleb Barghouthi and one with Dr. Blake Bloxham. Dr. Barghouthi's first trial was very impressive and showed great promise. Dr. Bloxham's trial wasn't as impressive. However, the harvesting technique was different. Dr. Bloxham used the follicular unit strip method. In that method, the hair is harvested from a strip of tissue and dissected, as opposed to Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), where individual follicular units are extracted.
Conclusion
While verteporfin presents an exciting avenue for research in hair loss treatment, it is not currently a cure or approved by the FDA for treating hair loss. That said, even if it does work, it's not likely to ever be FDA-approved because the drug is already off-patent, meaning there are cheap generics available. Getting FDA approval would require millions of dollars in funding and trials, which no pharmaceutical company would spend because there's no longer a patent.
To get the latest news on Verteporfin clinical trials, subscribe to our mega-thread on the Hair Restoration Network. This is where the latest information regarding the trials is posted. If you want to speak with doctors about potentially joining a clinical trial, contact one of our world-renowned hair transplant surgeons here.