For millions of people around the world, nothing eludes them more than that mythical cure for baldness. But there’s some fresh hope for countless people now, with English researchers stumbling across what could very well be a potential cure for baldness.
As SBS reports, researchers from The University of Manchester have discovered that a drug used to treat osteoporosis may hold the key to hair regrowth.
While Cyclosporine A (CsA) is usually used to treat autoimmune diseases and suppress transplant rejection, the research team discovered that CsA inhibits a protein which usually restricts the growth of hair follicles. However, as CNBC note, hair growth was one of the few positive side effects of the drug, causing project leader Dr Nathan Hawkshaw to keep on looking for more options.
Now, after plenty more research, Hawkshaw happened upon another compound which achieves the same results without the unwanted side effects. Named ‘WAY-316606’, the scientists hope this could be the answer many have searched for.
“The fact this new agent, which had never even been considered in a hair loss context, promotes human hair growth is exciting because of its translational potential,” explained Nathan Hawkshaw. “It could one day make a real difference to people who suffer from hair loss.”
“I’m very optimistic it could work. In lab tests, the drug started promoting growth in hair follicles in just two days – that’s pretty quick. We are looking at using it as a topical treatment, a gel or shampoo that could reach the follicle.”
WAY-316606 has already been tested for six days on hair donated from 40 patients currently undergoing hair transplant surgery, and it was discovered that the drug “significantly increased hair shaft production” within just two days.
The next step, Dr Hawkshaw states, is for a clinical trial to be undertaken so it can be determined whether or not WAY-316606 is safe, and if it will end up finding its way into the hands, and scalps, of consumers.
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