Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a new, safe, and effective way to permanently stop hair loss. The method is based on natural processes and is painless. The hair loss treatment is presented as a lotion and is applied directly to the scalp once a day. The medication acts directly on hair follicles, ensuring high effectiveness and reducing the risk of side effects. The treatment is painless and simple, requiring no additional procedures.
The study involved 22 individuals suffering from the most common form of hereditary hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, which is caused by hormonal changes and is known to damage hair follicles. After a 16-week treatment period, participants experienced an average 73% increase in hair density. In some cases, as many as 17 new hair strands appeared per square centimeter. The treatment showed no side effects.
Scientists serendipitously discovered PP405 while working on skin stem cells. This molecule stimulates hair growth and activates the TGF-β protein, which awakens “dormant” hair follicles. This discovery has already transitioned from the UCLA laboratory to a biotechnology startup phase, leading to the creation of Pelage Pharmaceuticals, which is now continuing clinical trials.
Unlike existing treatments, PP405 restores the natural mechanism of hair growth. The drug acts locally and does not require pills or injections, further simplifying its use.
Pelage is already planning the next phase of trials, which will involve more patients and a longer treatment duration. If positive results are maintained, this lotion, which currently lacks a commercial name, could fundamentally change the process of hair loss treatment.
Sources:
Pelage Pharmaceuticals. (2025). Pelage Pharmaceuticals announces positive Phase 2a clinical trial results for PP405 in regenerative hair loss therapy [Press release]. Business Wire.
UCLA Newsroom. (2025). Hair loss treatment breakthrough: UCLA researchers’ discovery powers Pelage Pharmaceuticals’ promising new therapy.
Dermatology Times. (2025). Pelage’s PP405 demonstrates efficacy in phase 2a trial for androgenetic alopecia.
