Story perspectives

UCLA's PP405: Promising New Drug for Hair Regrowth

9/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

UCLA researchers developed PP405, a drug that activates dormant hair follicle cells to regrow hair.
Unlike current treatments, PP405 increases lactate levels to promote hair growth instead of merely preventing loss.
The drug has passed safety trials, with effectiveness trials scheduled for next year.
Targeting the scalp, PP405 reduces common side effects associated with other hair loss treatments.
The research team founded Pelage Pharmaceuticals to further develop the drug amid funding challenges.

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Story summary

UCLA researchers developed PP405, a drug that activates dormant hair follicle cells to regrow hair.
Unlike current treatments, PP405 increases lactate levels to promote hair growth instead of merely preventing loss.
The drug has passed safety trials, with effectiveness trials scheduled for next year.
Targeting the scalp, PP405 reduces common side effects associated with other hair loss treatments.
The research team founded Pelage Pharmaceuticals to further develop the drug amid funding challenges.