New Peptide Shows Promise as Hair Loss Treatment with Minimal Side Effects
A novel peptide-based treatment for hair loss, demonstrating efficacy comparable to minoxidil with a potentially improved safety profile, has been developed by researchers at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) and Kyungpook National University. This breakthrough offers a potential solution for the approximately 1 billion people worldwide, including 10 million in Korea, affected by hair loss.
Development of MLPH Peptide
The research team, led by DGIST Professors Moon Jae-il, So-yeon Kim, and Chang-hoon Lee, utilized computer modeling to create a new peptide, named MLPH, designed to stimulate hair growth without the adverse effects associated with existing treatments. Their findings were published in the international academic journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.
Limitations of Current Treatments
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved hair loss treatments are limited to minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil, a topical solution, can cause skin irritation, while finasteride, an oral medication, carries the risk of sexual dysfunction due to its impact on male hormones. Finasteride is also restricted for use by women of childbearing age.
How MLPH Works
Previous research indicated that erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone stimulating red blood cell production, could promote hair growth by interacting with receptors in hair follicles. However, EPO administration was linked to the undesirable side effect of excessive red blood cell production, hindering its clinical application.
To overcome this limitation, the research team employed structure-based design techniques. Through advanced computer modeling, they engineered MLPH by removing the portions of the EPO protein structure responsible for the side effects, while preserving and optimizing the core elements that bind to hair follicle receptors and stimulate growth.
Research Findings
Biological experiments using human hair follicle tissue and mice demonstrated that the MLPH peptide significantly increased the secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a key factor in hair growth. In mice studies, MLPH successfully shifted hair follicles from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase, achieving hair growth effects equivalent to those of minoxidil.
Dr. Mihee Kwak explained that MLPH directly targets receptors on hair follicle papilla cells, promoting hair growth factor secretion, while completely eliminating the hematopoietic side effects associated with EPO.
Market Potential and Future Directions
The global hair loss treatment market is projected to reach approximately 58 trillion won (approximately $42 billion USD) by 2028. Professor Moon Jae-il anticipates that MLPH could generate significant economic value within this expanding market.
Further research is needed to optimize the formulation and drug delivery system (DDS) to ensure efficient penetration of the scalp and delivery of the peptide to hair follicles. The next steps involve clinical trials to validate efficacy in various hair loss conditions, including male pattern baldness and alopecia areata.