Experimental drug developed by Veradermics showed improvement in hair coverage after six months, but still depends on new tests and regulatory approval
A new oral medication for hereditary hair loss showed positive results in a clinical study conducted with 519 men.
Developed by the biopharmaceutical company Veradermics, the VDPHL01 uses minoxidil in a formulation designed to gradually release the substance into the body.
The results were announced on April 27, 2026, following the completion of clinical study 302, classified as phase 2/3.
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Data released by the company indicated increased hair growth and improved hair coverage during the six months of treatment.
The drug has not yet received regulatory approval. A possible market release will depend on the next stages of research and analysis by the competent authorities.
Clinical study evaluated over 500 participants
Study 302 analyzed the efficacy and safety of VDPHL01 in men with mild to moderate hereditary hair loss.
Some participants received the medication once or twice a day. Another group used a placebo during the same period.
Evaluations conducted by doctors, researchers, and patients showed favorable results for the experimental formulation.
Reports gathered by Veradermics showed that between 79% and 86% of participants noticed an improvement in hair coverage.
The objective count also indicated an average increase of 30.3 to 33 hairs per square centimeter in the treated groups.
Participants who received the placebo showed an average growth of 7.3 hairs per square centimeter.
The comparison revealed approximately four times more hair growth among VDPHL01 users.
Technology alters the release of oral minoxidil
The VDPHL01 is based on minoxidil, a substance widely known in treatments against hair loss.
Traditional products usually apply the compound directly to the scalp. The new formulation, on the other hand, was developed for oral administration.
Oral minoxidil has existed since the 1970s and initially emerged as a medication aimed at treating cardiovascular problems.
Michael Gold, a dermatologist participating in the study, stated that VDPHL01 was specifically developed to combat hereditary hair loss.
The formulation represents an attempt to adapt a known substance into an oral treatment targeted at hair growth.
Hydrogel allows gradual release of the substance
The effects of minoxidil on blood vessels represent one of the main challenges related to its oral use.
Reid Waldman, CEO of Veradermics and dermatologist, explained that the substance quickly enters the body and causes the relaxation of blood vessels.
The company developed a proprietary technology based on hydrogel to control the release of the active ingredient.
The system releases minoxidil gradually and seeks to maintain a more constant exposure of hair follicles to the medication.
This prolonged administration aims to reduce cardiovascular risks associated with the rapid absorption of the substance.
New studies will define the future of the medication
The clinical trials of the new medication have not yet been completed.
Veradermics is preparing a phase 3 study targeted at men to expand the evaluation of the treatment’s efficacy and safety.
The company is also recruiting participants for a phase 2/3 study aimed at women.
A future approval could transform VDPHL01 into the first authorized oral treatment for women with hereditary hair loss.
The possibility depends on the results of upcoming studies and the evaluations conducted by regulatory bodies.
No official forecast for launch or commercialization has been disclosed at this time.
Experts highlight potential against hair loss
Maryanne Makredes Senna, a dermatologist on the Veradermics scientific advisory board, highlighted the potential observed during the tests.
Almost 80% of patients and researchers identified improvement in hair coverage, according to the data presented by the company.
The treatment was also generally considered well tolerated by the evaluated participants.
Reid Waldman classified the results as a breakthrough in the development of non-hormonal treatments for hair loss.
The completion of the next stages will be necessary before any application for approval and availability of the medication to the public.
Nominal sources: Veradermics, clinical study 302, Michael Gold, Reid Waldman, Maryanne Makredes Senna, and Harper’s Bazaar.
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