{"id":45784,"date":"2026-11-06T09:17:37","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T06:17:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/?p=45784"},"modified":"2026-11-06T13:29:29","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T10:29:29","slug":"new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/","title":{"rendered":"New Hair Loss Drugs in 2026 and What They Mean for Your Hair"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aedb83b391f7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aedb83b391f7\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Why_Are_New_Hair_Loss_Drugs_Appearing_Now\" >Why Are New Hair Loss Drugs Appearing Now?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Where_Do_Finasteride_and_Minoxidil_Stand_Today\" >Where Do Finasteride and Minoxidil Stand Today?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Oral_Finasteride_and_Dutasteride\" >Oral Finasteride and Dutasteride<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Topical_Finasteride\" >Topical Finasteride<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Low-Dose_Oral_Minoxidil\" >Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Clascoterone_5_Solution_a_Topical_Androgen_Receptor_Blocker\" >Clascoterone 5% Solution, a Topical Androgen Receptor Blocker<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#VDPHL01_an_Investigational_Oral_Minoxidil_for_Hair_Loss\" >VDPHL01, an Investigational Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Pyrilutamide_and_GT20029_Androgen_Receptor_Drugs_From_China\" >Pyrilutamide and GT20029, Androgen Receptor Drugs From China<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#PP405_and_ET-02_Drugs_That_Target_Dormant_Follicle_Stem_Cells\" >PP405 and ET-02, Drugs That Target Dormant Follicle Stem Cells<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#What_Did_the_PP405_Trial_Show\" >What Did the PP405 Trial Show?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#How_Far_Along_Is_ET-02\" >How Far Along Is ET-02?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Which_Earlier-Stage_Hair_Loss_Drugs_Are_Worth_Watching\" >Which Earlier-Stage Hair Loss Drugs Are Worth Watching?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#JAK_Inhibitors_Have_Changed_Alopecia_Areata_Treatment\" >JAK Inhibitors Have Changed Alopecia Areata Treatment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Every_New_Hair_Loss_Drug_Compared\" >Every New Hair Loss Drug Compared<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Why_Buying_Unapproved_Hair_Loss_Drugs_Online_Is_Risky\" >Why Buying Unapproved Hair Loss Drugs Online Is Risky<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Will_New_Medications_Replace_Hair_Transplant_Surgery\" >Will New Medications Replace Hair Transplant Surgery?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#When_will_clascoterone_be_available_for_hair_loss\" >When will clascoterone be available for hair loss?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Is_oral_minoxidil_safe_for_hair_loss\" >Is oral minoxidil safe for hair loss?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Is_topical_finasteride_safer_than_oral_finasteride\" >Is topical finasteride safer than oral finasteride?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Can_women_use_the_new_hair_loss_drugs\" >Can women use the new hair loss drugs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Do_JAK_inhibitors_work_for_male_pattern_baldness\" >Do JAK inhibitors work for male pattern baldness?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Will_PP405_regrow_hair_on_a_completely_bald_scalp\" >Will PP405 regrow hair on a completely bald scalp?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Should_I_wait_for_new_drugs_instead_of_getting_a_hair_transplant\" >Should I wait for new drugs instead of getting a hair transplant?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Can_I_use_the_new_drugs_after_a_hair_transplant\" >Can I use the new drugs after a hair transplant?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/new-hair-loss-drugs-in-2026-and-what-they-mean-for-your-hair\/#Sources\" >Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important new hair loss drugs of 2026 are clascoterone 5% solution, an extended-release oral minoxidil called VDPHL01, the stem cell activator PP405 and, for alopecia areata (the autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss), an immune-calming tablet called upadacitinib. For almost three decades, people with androgenetic alopecia had only topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, which a 2025 review still describes as the only widely approved options (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2147\/DDDT.S542000\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chen et al., 2025, Drug Des Devel Ther<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). In the past year, three large late-stage trials in men reported positive results, a stem cell drug entered a phase 2\/3 trial and a fourth JAK inhibitor was approved for alopecia areata.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide explains how each drug works, what the trials showed and when it could reach patients. Several headline results still come from company announcements rather than peer-reviewed journals, so we state which kind of evidence stands behind each claim.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Are_New_Hair_Loss_Drugs_Appearing_Now\"><\/span><b>Why Are New Hair Loss Drugs Appearing Now?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New drugs are appearing because researchers now target the hair follicle from several angles instead of only lowering DHT. In androgenetic alopecia, DHT acts on androgen receptors in genetically sensitive follicles and gradually shrinks the hair, a process called miniaturization. The newer candidates block that receptor directly in the scalp, deliver minoxidil more steadily, or try to restart dormant follicle stem cells, an idea backed by laboratory work on the metabolic switch these cells need to wake up (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/ncb3575\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flores et al., 2017, Nature Cell Biology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Alopecia areata, an autoimmune form of hair loss unrelated to DHT, has its own new drugs in the JAK inhibitors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Do_Finasteride_and_Minoxidil_Stand_Today\"><\/span><b>Where Do Finasteride and Minoxidil Stand Today?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finasteride and minoxidil remain the standard of care, and newer versions of both are already in use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oral_Finasteride_and_Dutasteride\"><\/span><b>Oral Finasteride and Dutasteride<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral finasteride 1 mg is still the main hormonal treatment for men, and dutasteride 0.5 mg produced the largest gain in total hair count at 24 weeks in a network meta-analysis of 23 studies (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamadermatol.2021.5743\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gupta et al., 2022, JAMA Dermatology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/side-effects-of-finasteride-and-minoxidil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finasteride and minoxidil side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains what to expect when starting treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Topical_Finasteride\"><\/span><b>Topical Finasteride<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical finasteride spray regrows hair with far less of the drug reaching the bloodstream. In a 458-patient phase 3 trial, it added 20.2 hairs versus 6.7 with placebo over 24 weeks, numerically similar to the oral finasteride arm of the same trial, although the study was not designed to compare the two head to head, and peak blood levels were more than 100 times lower than with the tablet (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/jdv.17738\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Piraccini et al., 2022, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Low-Dose_Oral_Minoxidil\"><\/span><b>Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-dose oral minoxidil is now one of the most prescribed off-label hair treatments. In a safety study of 1,404 patients, the most common side effect was unwanted body hair (15.1%), and only 1.7% stopped because of side effects (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jaad.2021.02.054\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Va\u00f1\u00f3-Galv\u00e1n et al., 2021, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It is not always better than the topical form, since a 24-week trial in 90 men found no significant overall advantage for 5 mg tablets over 5% solution (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamadermatol.2024.0284\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penha et al., 2024, JAMA Dermatology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Clascoterone_5_Solution_a_Topical_Androgen_Receptor_Blocker\"><\/span><b>Clascoterone 5% Solution, a Topical Androgen Receptor Blocker<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clascoterone is the new hair loss drug closest to approval in the US and Europe. It occupies the androgen receptor inside the follicle so DHT cannot deliver its miniaturizing signal, and because it breaks down quickly in the bloodstream it aims to avoid body-wide hormonal effects. The same molecule is already approved as a 1% acne cream, so regulators hold years of skin safety data on it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SCALP 1 and SCALP 2 phase 3 trials (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT05910450\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT05910450<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT05914805\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT05914805<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) enrolled 1,465 men,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cosmohealthconfidence.com\/news\/98958067-clascoterone-12-month-safety-results-ende\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">according to the developer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Topline results reported by the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dermnppa.org\/topical-clascoterone-from-cosmo-performs-well-for-male-androgenetic-alopecia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dermatology Education Foundation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> showed hair count rising 539% and 168% more than vehicle in the two trials, although absolute hair gains, not yet published in full, will matter more. As reported by<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dermatologytimes.com\/view\/cosmo-pharmaceuticals-reports-positive-12-month-safety-data-for-clascoterone-5-in-male-aga\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dermatology Times<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, men who stayed on treatment for 12 months gained 2.39 times more hair than those switched to vehicle, with safety comparable to vehicle. The US application is planned for early 2027, which points to a launch between late 2027 and 2028.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"VDPHL01_an_Investigational_Oral_Minoxidil_for_Hair_Loss\"><\/span><b>VDPHL01, an Investigational Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VDPHL01 is an extended-release minoxidil tablet developed specifically for hair loss, and it is still investigational, which means it is not yet approved in any country.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ir.veradermics.com\/news-releases\/news-release-details\/veradermics-oral-vdphl01-achieved-early-consistent-and-robust\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the developer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it avoids the sharp blood peaks of standard minoxidil that are linked to a racing heart and fluid retention, while keeping levels above the threshold needed for hair growth for longer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VDPHL01 has now passed two placebo-controlled trials in men. In Study 302, the once-daily dose added 30.3 hairs per square centimeter at six months against 7.3 with placebo, as reported by<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/qz.com\/veradermics-hair-loss-pill-phase-3-trial-mane-stock-042726\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quartz<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The confirmatory<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ir.veradermics.com\/news-releases\/news-release-details\/veradermics-oral-vdphl01-achieved-early-consistent-and-robust-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Study 304, announced on 19 October 2026<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, showed gains of 28.6 hairs once daily and 36.4 twice daily against 6.6 with placebo in 536 men, with no treatment-related serious or cardiac adverse events of special interest. Both results are company-reported, no filing date has been given yet, and approval in 2027 or 2028 remains the realistic window. A placebo-controlled trial in women is due in the first half of 2027, and our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/hair-loss-in-women\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss in women<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> covers the options available today.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pyrilutamide_and_GT20029_Androgen_Receptor_Drugs_From_China\"><\/span><b>Pyrilutamide and GT20029, Androgen Receptor Drugs From China<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pyrilutamide and GT20029 are two androgen receptor drugs from the same Chinese developer, and their first approval is expected in China. As reported by<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bioworld.com\/articles\/729749-kintors-kx-826-meets-phase-iii-endpoints-in-alopecia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BioWorld<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, topical pyrilutamide (KX-826) met its primary endpoint in a 52-week phase 3 trial in Chinese men in March 2026, adding 15.33 hairs per square centimeter versus 4.68 with placebo. These results are not yet peer reviewed, and cosmetic products sold online under the KX-826 name are not regulated medicines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GT20029 belongs to a class called PROTACs, which mark the androgen receptor for destruction instead of blocking it. In a peer-reviewed phase 2 trial of 180 Chinese men, both its once-daily and twice-weekly regimens beat placebo after 12 weeks with no drug-related serious adverse events (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09546634.2025.2574304\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hu et al., 2025, Journal of Dermatological Treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PP405_and_ET-02_Drugs_That_Target_Dormant_Follicle_Stem_Cells\"><\/span><b>PP405 and ET-02, Drugs That Target Dormant Follicle Stem Cells<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PP405 and ET-02 try to restart follicles that have stopped producing hair, which no approved drug does.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Did_the_PP405_Trial_Show\"><\/span><b>What Did the PP405 Trial Show?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a phase 2a study of 78 adults, as reported by<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dermatologytimes.com\/view\/pelage-s-pp405-demonstrates-efficacy-in-phase-2a-trial-for-androgenetic-alopecia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dermatology Times<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, four weeks of a 0.05% gel led 31% of men with more advanced hair loss to a hair density increase above 20% at week eight, against 0% on placebo. The study was small and the 31% applies to a subgroup. The phase 2\/3 AWAKEN trial (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT07819435\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT07819435<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) began in September 2026 and is recruiting about 600 men with Norwood Type IV or V hair loss for 24 weeks of treatment, with main results expected around the end of 2027.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Far_Along_Is_ET-02\"><\/span><b>How Far Along Is ET-02?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ET-02 is at a much earlier stage. According to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clinicaltrialsarena.com\/news\/eirion-sees-success-in-first-in-man-topical-hair-loss-therapy-trial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clinical Trials Arena<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, its first study in 24 men reported six times more hair growth than placebo after four weeks, and a six-month phase 2 trial is expected to start in 2027.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Earlier-Stage_Hair_Loss_Drugs_Are_Worth_Watching\"><\/span><b>Which Earlier-Stage Hair Loss Drugs Are Worth Watching?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three earlier-stage candidates use mechanisms none of the leading drugs share. HMI-115 is an injectable antibody against the prolactin receptor, and in an<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopemedinc.com\/company-release-37\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">open-label phase 1b study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> men gained an average of 14 hairs per square centimeter. ABS-201 targets the same receptor and is tested for hair growth as repeated injections under the skin (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT07317544\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT07317544<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), after<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/investors.absci.com\/news-releases\/news-release-details\/absci-announces-positive-interim-phase-1-data-headlinetm-trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interim single-dose data<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 32 volunteers showed no serious adverse events and a half-life of at least 65 days. TDM-105795 is a topical thyroid hormone mimetic whose<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/technoderma-medicines-phase-2-clinical-trial-of-tdm-105795-demonstrates-hair-growth-in-androgenetic-alopecia-302052631.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phase 2a trial<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reported gains of 20 to 24 hairs without a clean placebo comparison.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"JAK_Inhibitors_Have_Changed_Alopecia_Areata_Treatment\"><\/span><b>JAK Inhibitors Have Changed Alopecia Areata Treatment<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JAK inhibitors are oral drugs that interrupt the immune attack on hair follicles in alopecia areata, and they are now the first effective systemic treatment for severe cases. The table shows the share of patients regaining at least 80% scalp coverage (a SALT score of 20 or less) in the pivotal trials.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Drug<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Status<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Pivotal trial result (SALT 20 or less)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Placebo<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baricitinib 4 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved 2022, adults<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">38.8% and 35.9% at week 36 (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2110343\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">King et al., 2022, NEJM<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6.2% and 3.3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ritlecitinib 50 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved 2023, age 12 and older<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23% at week 24 (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S0140-6736(23)00222-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">King et al., 2023, The Lancet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deuruxolitinib 8 mg or 12 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved 2024 in the US, adults<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">29.6% and 41.5% at week 24 (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jaad.2024.06.097\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">King et al., 2024, JAAD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0.8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved in the EU July 2026, under FDA review<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About 45% and 55% at week 24 (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamadermatol.2026.2853\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mostaghimi et al., 2026, JAMA Dermatology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1.5% and 3.4%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upadacitinib is the key development of 2026, and as reported by<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hcplive.com\/view\/upadacitinib-snda-submitted-to-fda-for-severe-alopecia-areata\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HCPLive<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, up to 37% of patients regained complete scalp coverage by week 52. JAK inhibitors need specialist monitoring for infections, blood clots and cardiovascular events.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with alopecia areata who are considering a hair transplant should wait until the condition has been stable for a long period, because an active immune attack can affect transplanted follicles too. Our surgeons review this history before planning any procedure, so mention any past patchy hair loss at your first consultation and we will advise whether surgery, medication or both is the safer route.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Every_New_Hair_Loss_Drug_Compared\"><\/span><b>Every New Hair Loss Drug Compared<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This table summarizes where each candidate stood on 20 October 2026 and what kind of evidence supports it.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Drug<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>How it works<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Form<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Most advanced stage<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Evidence<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Earliest realistic availability<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clascoterone 5%<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blocks the androgen receptor in the scalp<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical solution<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 3 complete in men<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company-reported<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US likely 2027 to 2028<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VDPHL01<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extended-release minoxidil<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two positive phase 3 trials in men, phase 2\/3 in women<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company-reported<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US likely 2027 to 2028<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pyrilutamide (KX-826)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blocks the androgen receptor<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical solution<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 3 met endpoint in China<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company-reported<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China first, timing unconfirmed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GT20029<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degrades the androgen receptor<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peer reviewed<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several years away<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PP405<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reactivates follicle stem cells<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical gel<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 2\/3 (AWAKEN) recruiting<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company-reported<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2028 or later<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ET-02<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restores follicle stem cell function<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First-in-human complete<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company-reported<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Years away<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HMI-115<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blocks the prolactin receptor<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injection<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small open-label study<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unclear<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ABS-201<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blocks the prolactin receptor<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injection under the skin<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 1\/2a<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety data only<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unclear<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TDM-105795<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scalp-selective thyroid hormone mimetic<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phase 2a complete<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company-reported<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unclear<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upadacitinib<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JAK1 inhibitor for alopecia areata<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved in the EU<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peer reviewed<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available in the EU now<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Buying_Unapproved_Hair_Loss_Drugs_Online_Is_Risky\"><\/span><b>Why Buying Unapproved Hair Loss Drugs Online Is Risky<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unapproved hair loss drugs sold online are risky because the buyer cannot verify what is in the bottle. Products using names such as PP405 or pyrilutamide may contain the wrong molecule, the wrong strength or contaminants, and a drug tested in a specific gel may do nothing, or cause harm, in a homemade solution. Anyone determined to try an investigational drug should look for a supervised trial on<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ClinicalTrials.gov<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_New_Medications_Replace_Hair_Transplant_Surgery\"><\/span><b>Will New Medications Replace Hair Transplant Surgery?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New medications are very unlikely to replace hair transplant surgery for people with established baldness. Every drug in this guide works on follicles that still exist, and even PP405 targets follicles that are dormant rather than gone. Where years of hair loss have left smooth scalp with no follicles left, moving healthy, DHT-resistant follicles from the back of the head remains the only reliable way to restore density. Medication and surgery work as partners, with drugs protecting the native hair around a transplant, as our article on<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/minoxidil-finasteride-after-a-hair-transplant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">using minoxidil and finasteride after a hair transplant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Every new drug that reaches patients is good news for us as surgeons, because a stable scalp lets us plan a transplant that still looks natural twenty years later. What no medicine can do is bring back a follicle that has already disappeared. For those areas, surgery restores and medication protects.&#8221; Dr. G\u00f6kay Bilgin, co-founder of Smile Hair Clinic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For hair loss that medication can no longer reverse, a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair transplant in Turkey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> remains the most established long-term solution. At Smile Hair Clinic, the first and only hair transplant clinic worldwide to hold the TEMOS A-Rated Certificate, surgeons use<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/sapphire-hair-transplant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sapphire FUE<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/dhi-hair-transplant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DHI<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and build a medication plan around each surgery. Send us photos of your hair for a personal assessment, and see the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/hair-transplant-turkey-cost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair transplant cost in Turkey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> page for what each all-inclusive package includes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span><b>FAQ<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_will_clascoterone_be_available_for_hair_loss\"><\/span><b>When will clascoterone be available for hair loss?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A US launch between late 2027 and 2028 is the most realistic estimate. The clascoterone acne cream sold today is a different, lower-strength product and should not be used on the scalp.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_oral_minoxidil_safe_for_hair_loss\"><\/span><b>Is oral minoxidil safe for hair loss?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, for most people when prescribed and monitored by a doctor, with unwanted body hair as the most common side effect. It is not suitable for some people with heart conditions or low blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_topical_finasteride_safer_than_oral_finasteride\"><\/span><b>Is topical finasteride safer than oral finasteride?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved topical sprays expose the body to far less of the drug than tablets while producing a similar hair gain in trials. Which form suits you best is a decision to make with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_women_use_the_new_hair_loss_drugs\"><\/span><b>Can women use the new hair loss drugs?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of them. VDPHL01 has early data in women with a placebo-controlled trial due in 2027, while clascoterone was tested in men only, and anti-androgens need particular care in women who could become pregnant.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_JAK_inhibitors_work_for_male_pattern_baldness\"><\/span><b>Do JAK inhibitors work for male pattern baldness?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. JAK inhibitors are approved for alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition, and have no proven role in androgenetic alopecia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_PP405_regrow_hair_on_a_completely_bald_scalp\"><\/span><b>Will PP405 regrow hair on a completely bald scalp?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probably not. Its early trial showed new hair from follicles that were present but inactive, and no drug is known to recreate follicles that have disappeared.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_wait_for_new_drugs_instead_of_getting_a_hair_transplant\"><\/span><b>Should I wait for new drugs instead of getting a hair transplant?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only if your thinning is early and your follicles are still present, in which case starting proven medication now keeps more follicles for future drugs to work on. Established bald areas are unlikely to respond to new drugs, and a surgeon can clarify your options.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_use_the_new_drugs_after_a_hair_transplant\"><\/span><b>Can I use the new drugs after a hair transplant?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, once approved, drugs such as clascoterone or VDPHL01 would likely protect the native hair around grafts the way finasteride and minoxidil do today. Your surgeon will advise when to start after the scalp has healed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources\"><\/span><b>Sources<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chen S, Li L, Ding W, Zhu Y, Zhou N. Androgenetic alopecia, an update on pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2025;19,7349-7363. doi 10.2147\/DDDT.S542000.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40873858\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flores A, Schell J, Krall AS, et al. Lactate dehydrogenase activity drives hair follicle stem cell activation. Nat Cell Biol. 2017;19(9),1017-1026. doi 10.1038\/ncb3575.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28812580\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Talukder M, Bamimore MA. Relative efficacy of minoxidil and the 5-\u03b1 reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia treatment of male patients, a network meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(3),266-274. doi 10.1001\/jamadermatol.2021.5743.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35107565\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hu R, Wei A, Wu L, et al. Efficacy and safety of topical GT20029 in male patients with androgenetic alopecia, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study. J Dermatolog Treat. 2025;36(1),2574304. doi 10.1080\/09546634.2025.2574304.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/41328006\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">King B, Ohyama M, Kwon O, et al. Two phase 3 trials of baricitinib for alopecia areata. N Engl J Med. 2022;386(18),1687-1699. doi 10.1056\/NEJMoa2110343.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35334197\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">King B, Zhang X, Harcha WG, et al. Efficacy and safety of ritlecitinib in adults and adolescents with alopecia areata, a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase 2b-3 trial. Lancet. 2023;401(10387),1518-1529. doi 10.1016\/S0140-6736(23)00222-2.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37062298\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">King B, Senna MM, Mesinkovska NA, et al. Efficacy and safety of deuruxolitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase inhibitor, in adults with alopecia areata, results from the phase 3 randomized, controlled trial (THRIVE-AA1). J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;91(5),880-888. doi 10.1016\/j.jaad.2024.06.097.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39053611\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mostaghimi A, Gooderham MJ, Lynde C, et al. Upadacitinib for severe alopecia areata in adults and adolescents, two phase 3 UP-AA randomized clinical trials. JAMA Dermatol. 2026. doi 10.1001\/jamadermatol.2026.2853.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/42584887\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penha MA, Miot HA, Kasprzak M, M\u00fcller Ramos P. Oral minoxidil vs topical minoxidil for male androgenetic alopecia, a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2024;160(6),600-605. doi 10.1001\/jamadermatol.2024.0284.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38598226\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Piraccini BM, Blume-Peytavi U, Scarci F, et al. Efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution for male androgenetic alopecia, a phase III, randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022;36(2),286-294. doi 10.1111\/jdv.17738.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34634163\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Va\u00f1\u00f3-Galv\u00e1n S, Pirmez R, Hermosa-Gelbard A, et al. Safety of low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss, a multicenter study of 1404 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021;84(6),1644-1651. doi 10.1016\/j.jaad.2021.02.054.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33639244\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US National Library of Medicine. SCALP1 clascoterone solution in male androgenetic alopecia.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT05910450\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT05910450<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US National Library of Medicine. SCALP2 clascoterone solution in male androgenetic alopecia.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT05914805\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT05914805<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US National Library of Medicine. AWAKEN phase 2\/3 study of PP405 in adult males.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT07819435\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT07819435<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US National Library of Medicine. HMI-115 phase 2 study in male androgenetic alopecia.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT06118866\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT06118866<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US National Library of Medicine. ABS-201 phase 1\/2a HEADLINE study.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT07317544\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT07317544<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US National Library of Medicine. TDM-105795 phase 2 study in male androgenetic alopecia.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT05802173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NCT05802173<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The most important new hair loss drugs of 2026 are clascoterone 5% solution, an extended-release oral minoxidil called VDPHL01, the stem cell activator PP405 and, for alopecia areata (the autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss), an immune-calming tablet called upadacitinib. For almost three decades, people with androgenetic alopecia had only topical minoxidil and oral [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":45785,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-45784","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45784","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45784"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45784\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45786,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45784\/revisions\/45786"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45785"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45784"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45784"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilehairclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45784"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}