Genetic hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is a widespread concern affecting millions of men and women around the world. It typically begins gradually and can be difficult to stop once it starts.
While treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are available, their effectiveness is often limited and may come with unwanted side effects.
But in a promising scientific development, researchers have identified a potential new treatment based on a natural sugar already found in the human body. This discovery could pave the way for a revolution in hair loss therapy—without the complications associated with existing treatments.
According to Science Alert, citing a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers have uncovered this potential treatment while studying a natural sugar involved in DNA construction: deoxyribose, a component of DNA’s backbone.
From Wound Healing to Hair Growth
During experiments where deoxyribose was applied topically to wounds in mice, scientists from the University of Sheffield (UK) and COMSATS University (Pakistan) observed that hair surrounding the wounds regrew faster than in untreated mice. This unexpected result prompted further investigation.
In a study published in June 2024, the research team used male mice with testosterone-induced hair loss. The scientists shaved patches on the mice's backs and applied a small dose of deoxyribose gel daily.
Within weeks, the treated areas showed significant regrowth, with thick, long individual hairs sprouting from the follicles.
Comparable to Minoxidil
The deoxyribose gel proved highly effective. The researchers found that its results were on par with minoxidil, a widely used topical hair-loss treatment.
“Sheila MacNeil,” a tissue engineer at the University of Sheffield, explained:
"Our research suggests that the solution to hair loss may be as simple as using a natural sugar like deoxyribose to increase blood flow to hair follicles and stimulate growth."
To build on the findings, the research teams developed a biodegradable, non-toxic gel made from deoxyribose and applied it to mouse models with genetic hair loss.
They also tested minoxidil separately on similar models, and in some cases, mice received a combination of both treatments.
New Hair Follicles Formed
Compared to untreated mice or those given a plain gel, the mice treated with deoxyribose gel began developing new hair follicles.
Both minoxidil and the sugar gel boosted hair regrowth by 80 to 90% in the genetically hair-loss-prone mice. Combining the treatments didn't yield significantly better results, suggesting either alone may be effective.
The researchers noted that:
“The better the blood supply to the hair follicle, the thicker it becomes, and the more hair it can grow.”
If proven effective in humans, deoxyribose gel could be used to treat alopecia, or to stimulate the regrowth of scalp hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows—especially following chemotherapy.
MacNeil added:
"Our research is still in very early stages, but the results are promising and merit further study."
A Widespread Issue with Limited Solutions
Androgenetic alopecia is a natural condition caused by genetics, hormone levels, and aging. It presents differently in men and women and affects up to 40% of people worldwide.
Currently, only two medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating it.
Minoxidil, available over the counter, can slow hair loss and encourage new growth, but it doesn't work for everyone.
Some male patients turn to finasteride, a prescription oral drug that inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a hormone linked to hair follicle shrinkage. However, it has not been approved for women.
Finasteride helps slow hair loss in 80–90% of men, but it must be taken continuously. It can cause a range of potentially severe side effects, including erectile dysfunction, testicular or breast pain, reduced libido, and depression.
