World’s First Next-Generation Hair Loss Treatment Material Developed

By Media 1 (media@koreatimes.net)

March 22, 2026

Researchers have developed a new peptide (MLPH) that induces hair growth with potentially fewer side effects than existing treatments. The development, led by Professor Moon Moon-il at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), aims to address the limitations of current hair loss treatments like minoxidil and finasteride.

Current Hair Loss Treatments and Their Limitations

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only two medications for hair loss: minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil, a topical treatment, can cause skin irritation. Finasteride, an oral medication, can cause sexual dysfunction due to its impact on male hormones and is restricted for use by women of childbearing age.

The Development of MLPH

The research team focused on erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone known to promote hair growth when combined with hair follicle cells. However, EPO can cause excessive red blood cell production, limiting its use as a treatment. To overcome this, the researchers used structure-based design and computer modeling to isolate the core region of the EPO protein responsible for hair growth while removing elements that cause side effects. This resulted in the creation of MLPH, a peptide designed for increased safety and maintained function.

Effectiveness of MLPH

Experiments using human hair follicle tissue and mice demonstrated that MLPH increased the secretion of IGF-1, a key factor in hair growth, and shifted hair follicles back into the growth phase. The hair growth effect was comparable to that of minoxidil, without the observed hematological side effects associated with EPO.

Future Implications

Professor Moon stated that MLPH represents a mechanism-centered treatment that could overcome hormonal side effects and gender restrictions, potentially offering a new option for the estimated 1 billion people worldwide, including 10 million in Korea, affected by hair loss. He also projected significant economic potential in the global hair loss market, which is expected to reach approximately 58 trillion won by 2028.

This research was supported by the Ministry of Education, the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. The findings were published in the international journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.

Source: koreatimes.net